Tuesday, 27 November 2007, 11:59 GMT
Woman badly burnt in house blaze

A man has been arrested on suspicion of starting a house fire in Surrey which left a woman suffering major burns to multiple parts of her body.

The emergency services were called to the property in Shortcroft Road, Ewell, on Monday night.

The victim, believed to be aged in her 50s, was said to be stable in hospital and set to undergo surgery at a specialist burns unit.

Two men were treated for the effects of breathing in smoke.

Man questioned

Four fire engines, three ambulances and police officers were sent to the scene at about 2145 GMT on Monday.

The woman had to be rescued from the property. She was taken to St Helier Hospital, south London, before being transferred to the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead.

Fire crews tackled the blaze into the early hours of Tuesday, but extensive damage was caused to the roof and first floor of the house.

A 58-year-old man from Epsom has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and was due to be questioned at Staines police station.

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