A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire in a York flat left four people needing treatment and led to the evacuation of 14 residents.

The blaze broke out at 5.45 am yesterday at a block of flats in Eboracum Way, off Heworth Green.

North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service said four people needed treatment at the scene by paramedics for slight smoke inhalation and 14 residents had to be evacuated from the first floor of the building.

It said the blaze resulted in fire, heat and smoke damage to the open plan living area and smoke damage to the remainder of the property, and there was also slight smoke damage to also to a communal corridor and adjacent properties.

Crews used breathing apparatus, hosereels, a first aid kit, a door breaker, a thermal imaging camera and a positive pressure ventilation fan.

It added that a fire investigation officer was at the scene yesterday, trying to establish the cause of the fire.

North Yorkshire Police said a 27 year-old man from Easingwold had been arrested on suspicion of arson and remained in police custody yesterday afternoon for questioning. 

Anyone with information should phone 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111,quoting ref 12200062747.