A CHARITY bag left sticking out of a letterbox in Clacton was set alight by arsonists while a family slept inside the house.

The bag was left hanging out of the letterbox at the house in Gilders Way.

It was lit on fire between 1.30am and 1.45am this morning, causing the property to fill with smoke.

A couple and their teenage child were asleep upstairs, but woke and managed to escape the property unharmed.

Detectives say the consequences of the arson attack could have been much worse and are appealing for witnesses.

Anyone with information should contact Clacton detectives on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.