TWO men set alight to an Ilfracombe flat, causing a huge explosion and fireball, a court has heard.

Mark Bartlett, 27, of the High Street, and Sebastian Whitehead, 29, of Wilder Road, both in Ilfracombe, were sentenced to five years each in prison at Exeter Crown Court.

They were told it was by pure chance no one was killed in the incident on May 13 this year.

Both had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of causing arson and being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

During the incident Whitehead poured petrol through the letterbox at the property in Harbourside, Capstone Crescent. His co-defendant struck the match.

The pair said they made checks to make sure no-one was in the flat but admitted they had no idea if the other three flats in the same block were occupied.

A pet Jack Russell dog in the flat was saved by firemen.

Claire Dunne, who lived in the flat with her partner, still suffers nightmares.

The court heard a long-running feud had led to the incident.

Prosecutor Mary McCarthy said it began when William Harris, the partner of Claire Dunne, was working as a security guard at the Waverley Inn when he ejected a pregnant sister of Whitehead from the premises.

Describing the arson attack the prosecutor said: "Whitehead poured petrol through the letterbox and it combusted violently causing an explosion with the flames injuring both defendants."

Ms McCarthy said: "Claire Dunne was still in the pub when she was told about the fire and was terrified that her dog had been killed. She was physically shaking when she went to the scene."

Defending Bartlett, Richard Crabb said: "This was an incredibly stupid thing to do and he knows that and knows an immediate custody is inevitable. He has always maintained he knew no one was in the flat. He has suffered quite serious burns because of his stupidity and the scars will forever be a reminder."

Defending Whitehead, Gareth Evans said: "He was celebrating the fact he had gone a whole week without taking cannabis. But he then consumed about 30 units of alcohol and set out on this ridiculously stupid and dangerous venture. He immediately regretted what he had done."

In passing sentence Recorder Sarah Munro said: "It is by pure chance no one else was injured as a result of this gravely serious act and at least one of you knew the dog was inside the premises."

After the case Ms Dunne welcomed the five-year sentence and said: "It has been extremely emotional and I have been all over the place. I have missed days off work and had to go on medication.

"We have lost everything. The front room and kitchen were destroyed and we had to get rid of everything."