A FAMILY had a miracle escape when their house ‘exploded’ in to flames – and police say the blaze was deliberate.

Stunned neighbours living in Langbank’s Dennistoun Road told how they heard a loud blast before the property was engulfed.

Police and the fire investigations team spent yesterday going through the wreckage.

Detective Sergeant Ally Semple said today: “The fire was started deliberately and is being treated as wilful fireraising. We are looking for anyone who was in the area at the time.”

The family of four living in the property, including two teenage boys, fled the house as the fire ripped through their home.

One neighbour said: “It was horrifying to watch. 

“Obviously all that matters is that they all managed to get out, but they have lost everything. I heard a bang and next thing the whole house was up. All the neighbours were out in the street.”

The family were moved to a nearby hotel after managing to get out of the burning inferno. Their next door neighbours also had to be evacuated and stay elsewhere for fear that the fire would spread.

Another neighbour added: “I had just come home from my work and heard a loud explosion. The fire started at the side of the house and it quickly spread elsewhere.

“It ripped along the decking and through the house.

“I am delighted everyone is out. It is amazing no one was hurt.

“It was the speed of the fire catching on that amazed me. I didn’t think a modern house could go up like that.”

Four fire engines tackled the blaze at late on Sunday after they received around 20 calls. Police are appealing for anyone who may have been out walking their dog in a nearby lane from around 10.15-10.40pm on Sunday night to come forward.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Constable Louise Kane on 101. They are looking for a white male of athletic build who was wearing a black skip hat, dark top, and light trousers. He was carrying a long, thin object.

Officers will be out in force today in Langbank making door to door calls as enquiries are stepped up.