A family of five narrowly escaped what could have been a deadly arson attack early on November 6 when three men attempted to set their wooden house on fire while they were asleep inside.

According to the police, around 2.30 am, Octave Diaz, 60, was awakened by strange noises and the pungent smell of gasoline filling his home on Cunapo Southern Road.

Diaz looked through his front window and saw men standing on his porch. One was holding a can of liquid, which he appeared to throw onto the wooden structure before trying to ignite the house with a lighter.