AN 18-month-old child was treated for smoke inhalation after an arson attack on a block of flats.
Three adults were also taken to hospital and 18 people were evacuated from the three-storey block in Sandys Road, Ombersley, near Worcester, last night.
The fire service believes the blaze was started deliberately in a garage full of rubbish and old furniture.
The only escape route in Styles Court, an outside stairwell, was blocked by thick black smoke so residents, including small children and babies, had to be passed down ladders.
Those treated in hospital, including 18-month old Courtney Skimming, were not seriously injured and were discharged in the early hours of this morning.
The fire broke out around 9.30pm yesterday. Shortly after putting the blaze out, fire crews had to turn back to put out a second fire, which they also believe was started deliberately.
Police this morning said they were still investigating the cause of both blazes.
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