IPSWICH: A pregnant woman today told of her terror after an arson attack on her flat led to fears that everyone inside – including two infants – would be killed.

The fire trapped the 23-year-old inside her Whitland Close first floor home along with her 21-month-old son. Also in the two-bedroom property were her 21-year-old friend and her four-month-old son, who were staying there.

The blaze was started just before 1.55am last Wednesday.

The 23-year-old, who is six months pregnant, said: “I was awake because I had to attend to my son who wanted some juice.

“I was on the landing and heard something being poured through the letterbox.

“I knew it was bad. I had to scream to wake my friend up.

“I shouted to get her on to the landing and when I did that the person stopped pouring the liquid through the letterbox.

“I waited a minute, heard a little click of the letterbox, they threw a match in and the place went up.”

An explosion was followed by flames and smoke coming up the stairs.

The 23-year-old said: “I think we were both in shock and panicking. The whole place filled with smoke straight away.

“My first thought was to get my son. He was in my room, because he had climbed into my bed.”

All four occupants went into the living room where one of the women put a duvet at the bottom of the door to stop the smoke getting in, while the other opened a window.

The woman’s friend said: “We were absolutely terrified. I thought we were going to die.

“I was sitting in the living room and I said I didn’t think we were going to make it out at one point.”

The 23-year-old said she was frightened she was about to lose her unborn baby. She said: “We went to hospital on Wednesday because I thought I was losing him.

“My son has started to have nightmares. I’m not sleeping and can’t be on my own.”

The women, who did not want to be identified, are appealing for anyone with information about who started the fire to come forward.

If you can help the police inquiry telephone 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.