A hero saved his neighbour's life after a fire was deliberately started in her flat in the middle of the night.

Police Scotland confirmed the wilful blaze in Tannahill Terrace, Paisley is being treated as attempted murder.

The man who raised the alarm managed to get into the property around 3.15am on Thursday and led the 64 year-old woman to safety.

A joint investigation between police and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has established the fire was started deliberately and officers are trying to establish a motive for the crime.

Police hailed the actions of the 50 year-old man and said his intervention prevented a tragedy.

Detective Sergeant Ally Semple from Paisley CID said: "This was a deliberate, dangerous act and the fast and heroic actions of the victim's neighbour undoubtedly saved her life.

"Extensive enquiries are underway to establish why someone would have intentionally set fire to this woman's home and it is vital that the local community support us in finding the despicable individual responsible."

The woman was checked over by ambulance staff however did not require hospital treatment.

Anyone who was in the area and noticed anything suspicious is asked to contact Paisley CID via 101 and quote incident number 0347 of Friday, September 22, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.