POLICE and fire officials are still trying to determine the cause of an arson attack at a garage in Ebbw Vale at the weekend.

The fire, in Bethcar Street, forced Simon Thomas, 35, his wife Stephanie, 23, and their son one-year-old Bradley, who is almost two, to flee their home in the early hours of Sunday morning as flames engulfed the garage just four metres away.

Two fire engines and nine firefighters attended to tackle the fire, which started just before 5am.

The garage and Mr Thomas' company car, a Renault Clio, were completely destroyed by the fire.

The family, who live in the flat above the mobile phone shop where Mr Thomas works, had to run out of their home, through the garden gate and over a 3ft wall to get to safety.

Damian Cole, who owns the flat and garage and employs Mr Thomas is offering a £1,000 reward for anyone who provides information which could lead to an arrest.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said: "No arrests have been made and enquiries are still ongoing to establish the cause of the fire."

A spokeswoman for South Wales fire and rescue service said the fire was deliberately started, but the cause is still being ascertained.

Anyone with information about the fire can contact Gwent Police on 01633 838 111.