Three families have been forced out of their homes after a suspected firebomb attack destroyed a terraced house in Bristol.

Civil engineer Alan Lloyd returned to his home in Novers Park Road, Knowle West, after spending Christmas with his girlfriend to find it had been cordoned off as a crime scene.

His next-door neighbour's home, which was occupied by a family of five including three children had been destroyed in the blaze. A third house in the terrace has also been declared unsafe for use.

Mr Lloyd, 50, who has lived in his house for the past 15 years, said: "Obviously it was a bit of a shock when I came home. The roof's gone, including all my roof timbers. The fire brigade weren't subtle getting in, but it had to be done, and there's water damage and smoke damage.

"I'm not able to live there. Roofing contractors have already assessed the damage and declared it unsafe. I've been staying with my girlfriend. It will definitely be a few weeks before I can come back.

"I've no idea how much it will cost yet, I'm going through the insurance company.

"It's not very helpful for this to happen at Christmas, especially as I've not been working for a month, but it could have been a lot worse.

"I heard there was an altercation outside the house that escalated, and a person fired a petrol bomb inside."

Neighbours were watching afternoon television on Christmas Day when the fire took hold.

They heard sirens outside as police blocked off the road and four fire engines, a turntable ladder and an ambulance raced to the scene.

Steve Cooke, who lives opposite the fire-damaged houses, said: "I didn't see the start of the incident, but when I came back home at around 4.30pm the fire brigade was here. I just watched in awe.

"The house was burning, it was quite well alight, but the firefighters got on top of it. It's not what you expect to see on Christmas Day."

The Post understands that the family whose home was gutted are now staying with friends.

They were not available for comment last night.

The occupants of the third house were also unavailable.

Residents reported a man had tried to flee the scene once police arrived, driving off at speed down Novers Park Drive, hitting a number of vehicles on the way. A man was arrested a short while later.

Another neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "I came out at 4pm when the ambulance turned up and there were all these fire engines, I thought they were for Leinster Avenue initially.

"Your first instinct was whether there was anyone inside.

"Fortunately there wasn't, apparently there was a dog inside but it got out. Everyone else in that row was out for the day.

"Apparently the firefighters said they could see smoke from Bedminster Down.

"You don't expect to see that sort of thing anywhere in Bristol."

An Avon Fire and Rescue spokesman described the fire as "severe" and are carrying out an investigation.

A 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

Police in Bristol are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information should call 0845 456 7000.