POLICE say a fire in which six people were rescued by ladders from the upper windows of a block of flats in Taunton was started deliberately.

Now, detectives have appealed for information after a man was arrested following the blaze. He is helping officers with their enquiries.

Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus led a further three to safety from the council-owned building in Newton Road on the Lane Estate.

A brigade spokesman said: "The fire was producing large quantities of smoke which cut off the escape route for many of the residents.

"A total of nine residents were evacuated from the flats, some were guided to safety from ground floor flats but a number needed to be rescued from upper storey flats by fire crews using ladders."

"Six residents were later conveyed to hospital by ambulance and treated for smoke inhalation."

Police threw a cordon around the flats as the drama unfolded.

There were no serious injuries, and all the victims have been released, a police spokesman said.

The fire, which was extinguished by fire crews using hose reel jets, was confined to the building's central stairwell.

Three pumps and four fire support vehicles from Taunton and Ilminster were called to the blaze, which broke out just before midnight on Monday. The fire was brought under control in half-an-hour.

Mary Jennison, 59, who lives opposite, said: "I saw two ambulances taking people away."

Cllr Jim Mochnacz, responsible for fire and rescue on Somerset County Council, said: "This could potentially have been a devastating fire.

"The incident highlights the need for every householder to ensure they have a fire action plan which outlines an escape route that is clear to all residents."

Anyone who can help should ring Taunton CID on 0845 4567000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Calls will be treated in confidence.