A couple who were forced to jump from a bedroom window following an arson attack on their home are offering a £2,000 reward.

Paul Bailey, 60, says he and his wife Kathleen, 52, were lucky to escape with their lives as they were both asleep when the fire was deliberately started close to the front door of their home.

Strood firefighters, police and an ambulance were called to the house in Brompton Lane, Strood, between 11.30pm and 11.45pm on Tuesday, December 2.

Mr Bailey suffered cuts and bruises when he slid down the wall in a bid to escape the smoke-filled house but his wife Kathleen wasn’t so lucky. She suffered severe smoke inhalation, internal bruising and broke her wrist in three places during the fall. As a result of her injuries she was admitted to Medway Maritime Hospital for two-and-a-half-weeks.

An investigation by Kent Fire and Rescue Service to establish the cause of the fire proved unsuccessful but Medway Police are still treating the incident as arson with intent to endanger life.

Mr Bailey says he hopes the reward will encourage someone to come forward with any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the offender or offenders.

He said: “I was asleep in the spare room when I suddenly woke up – I still don’t know what woke me up.

“I went downstairs and opened the kitchen door. There was smoke coming through the door which leads to the front door so I went back upstairs and woke Kathleen. Then I opened the bedroom window, got her on the windowsill, I dropped down in to the front garden and told her to jump. Then I ran to the neighbours and asked them to call the fire brigade.

“I’ve put posters up in shop windows around Strood and Hoo offering a £2,000 reward because that’s how badly we want to find those who are responsible.

“We were very, very, lucky. I’m just grateful I woke up. If I hadn’t we would have died.”

Anyone with any information about the fire is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 690690. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.