POLICE from Barnsley rescued a pensioner after her house caught fire when arsonists torched a nearby wheelie bin.
Four officers were close to the property at York Street, Cudworth, when the blaze was reported at around 3.45am on Thursday.
The building was well alight when they arrived at the scene with an elderly woman trapped inside.
Working together they managed to free the resident, who suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to hospital for treatment.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze, which is believed to have been started in a wheelie bin.
Fire and police investigators have since examined the scene and detectives are continuing to make enquiries.
Detective Inspector Gary Askew, of South Yorkshire Police: “The lady was very lucky. Our officers were in the area, spotted the flames and secured her safety. She is physically alright, but obviously a little shaken up.”
Police are appealing for witnesses - anyone with information should ring South Yorkshire Police on: 101 and quote incident number 89 of 22 May or call Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555111.
