POLICE are treating a flat fire in Batchley as arson with intent to endanger life.

The fire started at a flat in Cedar View at about midnight on Thursday. The flat was empty at the time but a man in his twenties normally lives there.

Several people had to be evacuated from the block of 16 flats, which are above some garages. Nobody was hurt. Three residents were re-housed overnight.

Police carried out forensic and house to house inquiries the next day.

Two people were helping police with their inquiries on Friday.