A YOUNG girl was said to be recovering from serious burns after she was believed to have set light to her dress by putting on the fire at her Birmingham home.

Neighbours of the family, who live in Fernhurst Road, Alum Rock, said the little girl was “doing OK” after suffering 30 per cent burns to her hands, face and chest.

The youngster’s dad was thought to have suffered five per cent burns to his hand and arm as he rushed to put the flames out.

A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said the cause was “accidental”.

Family friend Saqib Hussain, a 19-year-old student, said the girl’s father, his wife and their two daughters – both aged under ten – had lived in the terraced house for more than five years.

He said the accident was thought to have happened as the injured child turned on the fire at about 11.30am on Tuesday.

Mr Hussain said: “I asked her dad what happened to his daughter and if she was alright. He just told me she burned herself.”

Mr Hussain also saw carpet and a settee had been burned inside the living room of the young family’s home.

He added: “Both parents are really good with the girls. Even if they are outside they keep an eye on them.”