A FIRE at a block of flats in Reddich last night which resulted in up to 60 residents having to be evacuated is being treated as arson.

Police, firefighters and the ambulance service were all called to Winslow Close at about 7pm on Saturday evening after the fire broke out.

Although it is believed it started in the middle of the block and there were concerned it would spread to adjacent properties, firefighters were able to contain it before it did any more damage.

A 25-year-old man from the town has been arrested on suspicion of arson and is still in police custody.

One person had to be taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and a small number of people were treated at the scene. Some properties were smoke damaged following the blaze and residents have been re-housed elsewhere.

Inspector Rebecca Love with the Safer Neighbourhood Inspector for Redditch said the fire was believed to be an isolated incident and was not being linked to any fires elsewhere.

"Fortunately there were no critical injuries as a result of this fire but the damage caused to residents' homes and property makes this a very serious incident,” she said.

“Although incidents like this are rare, they have a big impact on the local community so we are making every effort to investigate this thoroughly.”

Anyone with any information can call police on 101 quoting incident 599s-111014.

Information can also be provided anonymously to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.