A man who set fire to a family home has been given four-and-a-half-years behind bars.

Romano Smith, 46, was sentenced for arson with intent to endanger life as he set fire to a home in St Stephans Road, Enfield, in March, 2015.

Senior Crown prosecutor for CPS London Nicola Wood said: “Romano Smith set fire to a family home in Enfield following a disagreement with the father of the family over work they had done together.

“On March 8, this year the family were awoken by smoke and flames after Romano Smith set fire to the front of their house.

“With the fire blocking the exit, the man and his wife were forced to drop their children from a first floor window to neighbours before jumping to safety themselves. All members of the family suffered smoke inhalation with the father requiring hospital treatment for several days.

“This was a serious case of arson endangering the lives of four people, including two children under the age of six which could have had tragic consequences.

“At CPS London we are committed to working with our police partners to tackle this type of crime and make the capital as safer place.”