A WOMAN is fighting for a life and her neighbours have been forced from their homes after a suspected arson attack caused a vicious house fire in Trowbridge on Saturday morning.

Despite the best efforts of six fire crews, who were called out to Frome Road just after 1.30am on Saturday, a Polish woman in her 30’s was taken to Morriston Hospital in Swansea in a life-threatening condition.

Two men were arrested by police on suspicion of committing arson with intent to danger life, but have since been released under investigation.

Police say the 44-year-old and 55-year-old suspects are both connected to the address.

The condition of the victim, who was rescued from a first floor bedroom of the semi-detached house by firefighters, is said to be critical but stable at the Welsh specialist burns unit.

Next door neighbour Carol Powell, 66, said: “I heard firefighters say it was the most severe fire in terms of heat that they had ever seen.

“I truly hope she makes a full recovery, this is so terrible. Nobody should have to go through this.

“There are a lot of scorch marks, soot is all over the place and the smoke smell is overpowering in my house.

“I have to move out as it is not safe here. It could be a good six months or so.

“I was extremely lucky but the main tragedy of this is that a woman is in hospital, fighting for her life.”

Although the fire was put out not long after 2am, thanks to hose reel jets and breathing apparatus, smoke could be seen billowing out of the house for hours.