A MAN has been charged with starting a terrifying blaze which put up to 60 residents' lives at risk in Redditch at the weekend.

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 to the building.

The incident caused between and 50 and 60 residents to be evacuated.

No-one was critically injured in the incident but a small number of people were treated at the scene and one person required hospital treatment for smoke inhalation.

A 25-year-old man from the town was arrested on suspicion of arson and was taken into custody in order for police to question him.

Michael Knight, of Winslow Close, Redditch has since been charged with arson with intent to endanger life. He appeared before Worcester Magistrates’ Court on Monday ,October 13 and was remanded in custody until January 19, 2015, when he will appear at Worcester Crown Court.

Safer Neighbourhood Team Inspector Rebecca Love said: "This arson attack will have caused concern in the local community and we would like to reassure residents that fortunately no-one was seriously injured during the incident and that someone has been charged in connection with this crime."

A spokesman for Redditch Council said: "Two of our council officers were on site on Saturday night to assist the police and fire service and support residents who were distressed by the incident.

"Fortunately, only one resident was unable to return to their accommodation and it is hoped that they will be able to move back into the property within the next couple of days. Our repairs and maintenance team are currently working on site and our Locality Officers are liaising with and supporting residents living in the building and surrounding areas.”

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.