A MAN was today helping police with their inquiries into a blaze at a block of flats in which 20 tenants were rescued by firefighters.

The blaze started last night in a ground-floor flat in Wensley House, Bouthwaite Drive, Acomb, where tenant Brian McGillicuddy had to be pulled out of his flat unconscious by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.

Forensic experts were at the scene today, and police said they had not ruled out arson.

The alarm was raised just after 11pm, and 16 adults, three children and a baby were evacuated from the ten-flat, four-storey block by firefighters from Acomb and York. They were allowed back in just before 12.30am.

Mr McGillicuddy was taken to York District Hospital, suffering from severe smoke inhalation.

John Swires, assistant divisional officer at Acomb Fire Station, said: "They all suffered some smoke inhalation and were checked over. The ground floor flat has ten per cent fire damage and is severely smoke-damaged, and the stairs up to the fourth floor are smoke damaged."

Terry Glover, from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the alarm had been raised when someone saw smoke coming out of a window.

"This had all the makings of becoming a massive tragedy," he said.

Police are also investigating an incident at Mr McGillicuddy's flat earlier in the evening at around 9pm, when someone smashed one of his windows and council staff had to come out to board it up.

Mr McGillicuddy's friend, David Roustoby, 24, said he had been sitting with Mr McGillicuddy for much of the evening and had been shocked to find out what had happened.

He added: "I stayed with him while he phoned the police and the council. I left his place but came back later when I saw all the fire engines.

"He saved my bacon when I was in trouble two years ago, and we've been friends ever since."

David Wright, who lives in another of the flats with his wife, Jean, and son, Gene, said his other son was engaged to Mr McGillicuddy's sister. He said he was very worried about his neighbour.

Other shocked residents stood shivering after running out of their flats when firefighters knocked on their doors.

Martin Gibson, 36, who was with his wife and son, said: "I was just lying in bed watching the telly when they knocked."

Adrian Lumby, 55, said : "I live on the top floor - it was quite a shock - we were lucky to get out."

Vicky Taylor, 20, from nearby Settle House, another block of flats, had been visiting a friend and her baby.

"We heard banging at the door and when we opened the flat door loads of smoke was pouring up the stairs."

PICTURE: DIM VIEW: The scene through a broken window showing firefighters and a police officer inside the fire-damaged flat, and (inset) firefighters outside the block Picture: Mike Tipping