PARENTS say they are terrified for their baby’s safety after four arson attacks in four months.

Anthony and Elizabeth Goodsell escaped 15ft-high flames when someone started a blaze in the flats next door.

Their house in Weymouth’s Rodwell Road shares a thin wall with the empty building, which has become a magnet for arsonists.

Elizabeth, 46, a teacher, said: “It was so frightening. I was sleeping when my husband said ‘they are burning next door – get dressed and get out’.

“We are worried about our baby Elise. She is only one.”

Anthony Goodsell, 57, an electrical engineer, said: “This is the fourth time in about four months – and the worst so far.

“It looks like they piled up a load of rubbish in a wheelie bin at the back.

“I think it’s only a timber wall because it’s such an old building and there was lots of smoke in our house.”

The fire service was called at 1.26am and sent two crews from nearby Weymouth Fire Station.

The flames left the rear of the building blackened and charred around one of the basement flats.

The couple are pleading for the building to be cleaned up so it is no longer an attractive target for arsonists.

They say the area has become a dumping ground and yesterday spent around four hours clearing it up themselves.

Anthony said: “Nobody will take responsibility for it. The owner came and said ‘what do you expect me to do about it?’”

The building, on the corner of St Leonards Road, is owned by Geoff Smith from Portland and leased out to Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA).

Mr Smith said: “I have no comment except that BCHA have a lease and a contract.”

A BCHA spokesman said it leased the ground floor and first floor flats but the owner retains responsibility for the basement.

The spokesman said: “Our contractors are redecorating and have left the building as secure, safe and tidy as possible each day, and also cleared the car park periodically.”

BCHA and Dorset Fire Service are putting into place extra security measures before BCHA leaves at the end of the month.

Dorset Police confirmed there had been several arson attacks and asked anyone with information to call them on 01305 222222.