A pensioner has thanked a van driver who saved her life after an arson attack on her home.

Sheila Smith was woken by a mystery motorist who banged on her door after seeing a blaze outside her home in Wood Street, Wallingford, at about 6.15am today.

The 81-year-old former matron at Wallingford Hospital, said the stranger’s quick actions meant she escaped the fire unharmed.

She said: “I was dozing and heard a loud banging on the door. Before I could get down the stairs he began hammering like a maniac.

“I could see flames and this man, on his way to work, was doing his best by beating them as hard as he could to put them out.

“Before the emergency services arrived, the flames took hold of my plastic door, which was destroyed.

“I don’t know the man’s name, but I’m very grateful to him. If he hadn’t woken me up, I could have died.

“I want to say thank you to him. He saved my life.”

Miss Smith, who lives alone, escaped through the back door and was led to safety by the motorist and another neighbour.

Ten firefighters from Didcot and Wallingford brought the flames under control in 20 minutes. They used a fire investigation dog, called Ember, to discover whether accelerants were used.

Fire and smoke destroyed the front door, porch and part of the hallway, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Neighbour Kevin Currill was about to walk his dogs when he saw the flames. Rushing to the scene, he grabbed a watering can and tried to put the fire out.

The 37-year-old businessman said: “There was thick black smoke and a black bin liner which was on fire.

“I saw the van driver raking rubbish away from the front door. I had to make sure Miss Smith was out.

“I knew I couldn’t leave her and stand back and watch. Then she came around the corner. A firemen said ‘thank you for helping’.”

Police and firefighters believe the fire was an arson attack.

Det Sgt Stephen Haddock said: “We are in the early stages of the investigation and are working closely with the fire service.

“Luckily no one was injured in the fire, and I urge anyone who might have seen any suspicious activity that night in Wood Street and the surrounding area to contact me.”

Miss Smith, who has lived at the property for 22 years, was horrified to hear arsonists could have started the blaze.

Incident commander Mick Pilcher, of Oxfordshire Fire Service, said it had been a serious and potentially life-threatening fire.

He said: “Miss Smith was very shaken up, and suffered smoke inhalation.”

Anyone with information should contact Det Sgt Darren Cartwright at Didcot police station on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

wallingford@oxfordmail.co.uk