POLICE are treating a fire in Dalry last Friday night as attempted murder.

Around 11.30pm, a man and a woman aged 39 and 48, discovered a fire in their first floor flat in Lynn Avenue.

They tried to extinguish the fire but were unsuccessful so had to escape the inferno by jumping from a window injuring themselves.

The man was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary to be treated for smoke inhalation and superficial burns.

His condition was described as stable.

The woman was taken by ambulance to Crosshouse Hospital where she was treated for minor injuries to her arms.

Firefighters arrived and put the fire out before it spread to any other flats and evacuated neighbours from adjoining flats.

William Wilson, 27, and his partner Nicola Crouch, 19, who fled the flat below have been left homeless by the blaze as their own flat was damaged by smoke and water.

William, an electrician, said: “The couple had only been there three days.” Mr Wilson was shocked that someone would set fire to a property which was so close to others.

He added: “I don’t know why anyone would do that.” William and Nicola are now staying in hotels with their dogs and cats until they can find alternative accommodation.

Detective Inspector Scott McClelland, Saltcoats CID, who is in charge of enquiry: “This would appear to have been a targeted attack on the people in the flat, however, at this time, the motive is not known.

“The consequences for them, and indeed the others in the block of flats, could have been much worse had the fire taken hold.” Anyone who can help officers with their inquiries should contact Saltcoats CID on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.