 Police say the fire was set deliberately |
Twenty four people had to be evacuated from their homes after an arsonist set fire to a block of flats. Ten people were rescued by ladder from the two-storey block in Bournemouth, Dorset, while 14 others escaped on foot.
Six people were injured and four residents - including two girls, aged two and seven - were taken to hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation.
Dorset police say the fire at Princes Court in Sea Road, Boscombe, which broke out at 1915 BST on Monday, was started deliberately.
Detective Constable Kevin James, of Bournemouth CID, said: "Our investigations so far have revealed that the fire was started deliberately on the second floor and that a substance, probably a liquid, was used to ensure that the fire took hold. "Whoever started this fire had no regard at all for human life and it was very lucky that no-one was killed or injured as a result.
"If this fire was set as some sort of a joke or prank, it was very irresponsible."
The fire caused damage to the top floor of the block, but the whole building has been damaged by smoke.
Sea Road, Cecil Road and Horace Road had to be closed while the fire was tackled.
Officers are appealing for witnesses to any suspicious activity in the area to come forward.
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Whoever started this fire had no regard at all for human life 
