A grandmother whose Spalding home was gutted by fire, leaving her and family members homeless, says it was the result of a deliberate and “evil” act.

Rose Hodder, 42, and her son Cameron were not at home when a fire took hold of her Department of Housing home on Bennett St about 10.30am on Wednesday.

Police suspect the fire was started deliberately, as Arson Squad officers scoured through the damaged building for clues yesterday.

Residents spoke of a woman who was in the area around the time of the fire, knocking on nearby doors.

Police are investigating if she was linked to the incident.