A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of ’arson endangering life’ after a fire at block of flats in the town centre last week.

Essex Police said the man has also been arrested on suspicion of cannabis cultivation after 36 plants were discovered by officers in a flat of the Icon building, in Basildon.

Police cordoned off surrounding roads while more than half a dozen fire engines rushed to get the fire under control.

In total, an estimated 130 residents were evacuated from three floors at the building in Southernhay last Thursday evening and seven fire crews tackled the incident for a number of hours before it was extinguished.

Firefighters evacuated the fifth, sixth and seventh floor flats as a precautionary measure due to the large volume of smoke in the corridors.

The crews used ventilation equipment to clear the smoke in order to make it safe.

Residents were allowed to return to their flats by 8.30pm.

There were no reported injuries or casualties of the fire and Essex County Fire and Rescue service have yet to determine the official cause of the fire.

However, since the incident, a man has been arrested by Essex Police on suspicion of arson.

Essex Police said: “We were called to an address in Southernhay, Basildon, at 6pm on Thursday, June 28. During the incident, 36 cannabis plants were found inside the property.

“A 51-year-old man from Billericay was later arrested on suspicion of cannabis cultivation and arson endangering life. He has been released under investigation.”

The flat where the fire began was left completely gutted by the fire and the tenant who lived there was left homeless.

Lee Soutter, building manager said: “It started in one flat and stayed in one flat - it did not spread at all so the homes either side were not affected.

“The flat itself is a rental property and it was completely gutted.

“It will be up to the owner if and when he starts seeing to the damage.”

Mr Soutter also confirmed residents are doing ok after the blaze.

He added: “Obviously people were concerned about if this could happen again.

“We have very good fire safety and things were recently updated after the Grenfell Tower fire, but I have been reassuring residents.

“One of the incident commanders on the night of the incident said we reacted very well, which helps to reassure residents. We are a very safe building. There is no upset or panic.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex Police on 101.

Alternatively, you can contact independent crimefighting charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org