A PERSON was taken to hospital after an arson attack on a block of flats in Winyates.
About 60 residents had to be evacuated from the Winslow Close building about 7pm on Saturday (October 11).
It is believed the fire started in the middle of the block and firefighters worked hard to stop the flames from spreading to adjoining properties.
One person needed hospital treatment for smoke inhalation, while a small number of other people had to be treated at the scene.
Smoke damage has affected other properties and several people have had to be re-housed in alternative accommodation.
A 25-year-old man from the borough has been arrested on suspicion of arson and is currently in police custody.
Insp Rebecca Love, Safer Neighbourhood Inspector for Redditch said it was lucky no one was hurt.
“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.
“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.
“We firmly believe this is an isolated case and we are not linking it to any other reports of fires in the Redditch area.”
A spokeswoman from Redditch Borough Council said two officers were on site on Saturday night to assist the police and fire service, and support residents distressed by the incident.
“Fortunately, only one other resident was unable to return to their accommodation and it is hoped 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 should call police on 1010 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
