A YOUNG father whose quick thinking saved the life of his seven-month-old son has spoken of the terrifying moment when he discovered his van had been set alight in a suspected arson attack.

Decorator William Buckley, 24, was at home in Fencepiece Road, Barkingside, looking after baby Harley while his mother, Melanie White, 22, was out of the house.

Mr Buckley said: “It was about 11pm and my auntie and sister had just left. Harley had just gone to sleep, so I took him up to his crib and settled down to watch television. Then I heard my van alarm and went outside.”

The van, which was parked a foot from the house, was ablaze and the fire had already spread to the house setting alight the guttering and part of the roof.

Mr Buckley said: “I ran upstairs to fetch Harley, wrapped him in a blanket and took him to his other crib downstairs at the back of the house. I opened the back doors to let some air in because the house was filling up with smoke.

“I called 999, I couldn't believe how quickly the fire had spread.”

Mrs Buckley said: “I could hear popping and crackling sounds as my tins of paint in the back of the van went up in flames, then the gas meter exploded.

“I phoned Harley's mother and once she came home, and the flames were out and the smoke had cleared, we took him to our neighbour Kirsty. She was brilliant, she looked after him for a few hours.

Police are treating the fire as suspicious and Mr Buckley has no idea why anyone would target him. He said: “I've been asking myself why it happened, how it happened and, if it was deliberate, who did it.

“I'm still angry. If it was someone doing it purpose, then they put my baby's life at risk. I've no idea who could want to do this. I've got no enemies, I've not upset anyone. Since our little one has been born, I've just kept my head down and worked hard.”

Police are urging anyone with information to contact Detective Constable Gilbert on 8345 2722 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.