Man arrested for arson after fire at block of flats with residents evacuated

A man was arrested on suspicion of 'arson with intent' after a fire broke out at a block of flats in New Islington in the early hours of this morning.

Police, fire crews and paramedics were called to the scene of the blaze on Pollard Street at around 12.10am today (Monday). Residents were evacuated from the building for some time, police said.

Eight people inside were rescued by fire crews. Two people were treated on the scene for smoke inhalation and one 'displaced' family had to be put in a hotel for the night.

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A man, aged 44, was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent. He was taken into police custody where he will be quizzed by detectives.

This morning, fire crews remained on the scene with a cordon in place around the block of flats. The building was visibly damaged from the fire, with some windows smashed and brick left charred from smoke.

In a statement, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "Police were called to reports of a fire at a block of flats on Pollard Street at around 12.10am this morning (Monday 30 October 2023). Colleagues from NWAS and GMFRS also attended.

"Two people received treatment at the scene for smoke inhalation and residents were evacuated from the building then later returned. One family were displaced and put in a hotel for the night.

"A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent. He was remanded into custody and is still being processed.

"A scene remains in place."

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "At just after midnight this morning