Police are investigating a late-night arson attack on an elderly resident's home in the Pond Park area of Chesham.

The fire service was called to the house on Overdale Road at 12:40am on Monday (October 10) and alerted Thames Valley Police (TVP).

The firefighters provided immediate emergency care to one woman who was suffering the effects of breathing in smoke from the blaze. 

A "considerable" amount of damage was caused to a two-storey terraced house with firefighters saying the fire started in the hallway.

A TVP spokesperson said:  "A criminal investigation is ongoing.

"We would like to hear from anyone who has information relating to the incident.

"We would particularly like to hear from any residents that have CCTV footage and any drivers in the area at the time with Dash cameras.

"Any persons with information can call 101 quoting reference number 43220454276. If you do not want to speak with us directly, you can call crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

A Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "One appliance and crew from Amersham, one from Hertfordshire and one from Beaconsfield attended, along with an officer.

"Fire in the hallway of a two-storey terraced house.

The firefighters used two sets of breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet, a positive pressure ventilation fan and a thermal imaging camera.

"The incident weas left in the hands of Thames Valley Police."