A FIRE at a Paisley flat in the early hours of this morning is being treated as attempted murder.

A 64-year-old woman living at the flat in Tannahill Terrace, in the Ferguslie Park area of town, cheated death when she was rescued by a 50-year-old neighbour who spotted the blaze.

The drama took place at around 3.15am, with the emergency services quickly at the scene.

Police have confirmed the fire was started deliberately and have praised the elderly woman's quick-thinking neighbour for his heroic actions.

She was checked over by ambulance staff but did not need hospital treatment.

Following a joint investigation between police and fire services, the blaze is being treated as wilful.

Detective Sergeant Ally Semple, of Paisley CID, said: “This was a deliberate, dangerous act and the fast and heroic actions of the victim’s neighbour undoubtedly saved her life.

“Extensive enquiries are under way to establish why someone would have intentionally set fire to this woman’s home and it is vital that the local community support us in finding the despicable individual responsible.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the surrounding area in the early hours of this morning who noticed anything suspicious to please contact Paisley CID via 101 and quote incident number 0347 of Friday, September 22.

"Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where details can be given in confidence.”