SIX people - including a toddler - had to flee for their lives after thugs set fire to their home.

Insiders believed the blaze was deliberately started in a block of flats in Maryhill overnight.

Fire crews raced to the scene in Skirsa Place shortly before midnight and a major rescue operation got underway.

A woman, teenage girl and little boy were among those trapped in their homes as firefighters battled the flames to reach them.

Glasgow Times:

Crews led them to safety, along with a woman, teenage girl and teenage boy, who live in another flat.

Investigators are probing whether a main door was set ablaze late last night.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokesman confirmed crews from Maryhill Fire Station were called to a blaze in Skirsa Place at 11.50pm.

Paramedics treated two residents at the scene and four others, who were suffering from smoke inhalation, were taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

Glasgow Times:

A source told the Evening Times: "Emergency services responded to a 999 call about a fire in Skirsa Place in Maryhill.

"An investigation into the incident is being carried out, however the fire is thought to have been started deliberately.

"A large amount of smoke travelled up throughout the close of the building."

The building was badly damaged during the incident and large scorch marks could be seen on front door.

Police Scotland confirmed the fire was being treated as deliberate and an investigation has been launched.

A spokeswoman said: "Police received a report of a fire at 11.55pm on Wednesday July 29, in Skirsa Place, Glasgow.

"The fire is being treated as wilful.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.