A pet rabbit in Australia was credited with saving its owners today after scratching at the door of their bedroom as their home burned, emergency workers said.

The couple was in their bedroom of their Melbourne home this morning when the pet, named Rabbit, began scratching at the door.

This prompted the husband to investigate, Commander of Metropolitan Fire Brigade said.

He said the man discovered a fire in the back room with smoke spreading through the house, and the couple could have been seriously injured if the bunny had not hopped to the rescue.

It took four fire crews to extinguish the blaze, which caused substantial damage.

The rabbit and its owners remained unhurt.