Police have taken a 33-year-old local man into custody on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following an afternoon blaze on the final Saturday of August.

The individual from Brighton was arrested by Sussex Police after flames broke out at a residential property in Warleigh Road earlier that day.

Emergency services responded to reports of the fire at 2.11pm, with East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service dispatching four appliances to the scene.

Crews equipped with breathing apparatus tackled the flames using a hose reel jet and a main jet.

Residents were led to safety as firefighters worked to bring the situation under control.

The blaze originated in a flat located below ground level and made its way up to the upper level of the property.

Smoke penetrated all three storeys of the structure.

Local households received advice to keep entrances and windows sealed while emergency personnel managed the situation.

Power to the property was cut off and UK Power Networks was called to intervene.

An update released at 3.30pm confirmed that every individual had been located, with officers and paramedics also present at the location.

The operation was progressively reduced, leaving just one fire engine before a conclusion signal came through at 3.44pm.

Crews departed soon after and control passed to Sussex Police investigators.

A spokesperson for Sussex Police confirmed that the detained man faces suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and remains in custody while inquiries continue.

Information about the incident can be reported to Sussex Police via their website or by dialing 101.