House fire in Houghton being treated as arson
Two people were taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital with smoke inhalation.
Police believe a house fire in Houghton was started deliberately.
Tyne and Wear Rescue Service were called to Waller Terrace just after midnight on Wednesday morning.
It's believed the fire was started on purpose and the incident is being treated as arson.
Two people were taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation.
Extra police officers have been deployed to the area.
Acting Neighbourhood Inspector for the area, Les Goodliff, said: "Luckly the two people in the property were not seriously injured, however, they did suffer from smoke inhalation and were taken to hospital for treatment.
"We believe the fire was started deliberately and are treating the incident as arson and I would ask anyone who saw anything out of the ordinary in Waller Terrace last night to get in contact with us."
Any witnesses should ring Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 0005 020316 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.