A deaf couple escaped their home as flames and smoke swept through the property after being alerted by their pet dogs.
Gareth and Leanne Young were watching TV and video-calling a friend in their living room at around 11.55am on Monday, January 31, when they saw their three chihuahuas Molly, Roxy and Amy barking and jumping.
As this would usually mean someone was at the front door of the home on Cunningham Road in Widnes, Gareth went to check but no-one was there.