BY IAN CROUCH

A Metford family is counting the cost after their home was destroyed by fire .

Fire crews were called to the single storey brick and tile home on Eucalyptus Crescent just after 5.00pm yesterday to find the house engulfed in flames.

No-one was injured.

The fire is not being treated as suspicious, but Police say it appears a young Autistic boy who lives there set fire to his home.

Meanwhile, Crews have extinguished a fire at a Nelson Bay cafe early this morning.

Patrolling police noticed smoke issuing from the cafe in Magnus Street just after 4.30am.

Firefighters were quickly on scene and discovered a deep fryer had been left on, with the blaze confined to the rear kitchen area of the shop.