POLICE are investigating after residents were evacuated from a block of flats in Weymouth after a 'suspicious' fire broke out in the early hours.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted arson with intent to endanger life following the blaze at the property in Clayton Close, Littlemoor, at around 12.25am yesterday.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said a fire broke out in an electrical fuse box in the communal area of the block of flats.

Three fire engines from Weymouth and Dorchester fire stations were called to the scene and firefighters extinguished the blaze using two breathing kits, one hose reel jet and a thermal imaging camera.

Residents in the six flats, which are managed by Aster Group, were evacuated and no one suffered any injuries.

A cordon was in place at the scene yesterday as police carried out enquiries at the flats which are at the end of the cul-de-sac. A footpath to Louviers Road runs next to the block.

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Community leaders have told of their shock following the incident.

Weymouth Town Councillor Ann Weaving, who represents the Littlemoor ward, said: "I am absolutely disgusted that somebody would set a fire and thank goodness nobody was badly injured or died."

Dorset Councillor Louie O'Leary, who represents Littlemoor and Preston, said: "I have been in contact with a few of the residents in the block of flats that was evacuated and thankfully they all seem okay.

"I condemn this incident. If anyone knows anything they should tell the police."

He added: "We have a bit of a crime problem on the estate and, once lockdown restrictions are eased, I will be holding a meeting to try and launch a community safety group involving residents and the police to come up with a plan to tackle it.

"Something needs to be done about the anti-social behaviour, vandalism, graffiti and littering seen in the area."

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "Dorset Police was called at around 12.25am on March 8 to a report of suspicious activity at an address in Clayton Close in Weymouth.

"Officers attended and located a fire. The occupants of the building were evacuated and did not sustain any injuries.

"A local man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted arson with intent to endanger life. He is currently assisting detectives with their enquiries."

A spokesman for Aster Group said: "We want to reassure our residents that we take the safety of our customers very seriously and we are working closely with the emergency services as they carry out their investigations.

"Our neighbourhood teams are assisting all residents involved and we’re also liaising with our partners to ensure suitable temporary accommodation and support is available.

"We would encourage anyone with any information to report it to the police by calling 101."