Arson attack leaves woman, 82, seriously injured

An 82-year-old woman is in hospital with "potentially life-threatening injuries" after an arson attack at a house, police have said.

Emergency services were called to the property on Thomas Street in Swinton, near Rotherham, where a van was ablaze along with the house.

The woman and two men, aged 40 and 50, were taken to hospital. The men had minor injuries, South Yorkshire Police said.

The fire was believed to have been started deliberately in the early hours of Monday, they added.

A neighbour, who gave his name as Graham, said he heard "a loud bang" before seeing the van on fire at about 00:45 BST.

Within minutes, the house was on fire, he added.

"The brigade turned up really quick which was probably a blessing for the people in there," he said.

Witnesses to the attack, or anyone who knows what happened, are asked to get in touch with police.

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