Arson inquiry after 'lives put at risk' in fire

Emergency services were called to Sherford at 02:30 BST on Friday

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack at a block of flats in Sherford, Plymouth.

Emergency services were called at 02:30 BST on Friday, after the fire started in the communal entrance of the four-storey building on Aquila Drive.

A total of 28 people were trapped and had to be rescued by the fire service, with 18 people treated for smoke inhalation.

Det Insp Katy Deer of Devon and Cornwall Police said: "This fire put the lives of 30 people at risk and could have had devastating and fatal consequences."

Detectives believe the fire was started using an accelerant and it quickly spread to the whole stairwell.

Det Insp Deer said: "It is down to sheer luck and the swift actions of residents and neighbours, the firefighters and the police officers that no-one was killed.

"If you live in Sherford or were driving through and saw anything suspicious then we would urge you to please get in touch.

"If you have information about who could have started this fire, we would encourage you to report it, even if anonymously."

Detectives asked residents to check their CCTV for any suspicious activity in the area between 01:40 and 02:20 BST.