A MAN in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of arson in relation to a bedsit blaze at a block of flats in Trowbridge town centre.

The move follows an investigation by police and fire experts into the cause of the fire at the flats in the Marlborough Building in Roundstone Street.

The occupants were locked out overnight as a police officer guarded the premises following the fire last Thursday (September 16) evening.

In addition, the Seven Day Shop convenience store was closed on Friday while police and fire officers investigated the cause of the blaze.

Wiltshire Police said: "We can confirm a man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of arson in relation to this incident. He has since been released on conditional bail pending further enquiries."

The 999 emergency services were called shortly after 5.23pm about a fire in a second floor bedsit in the block.

Police closed the road while fire crews from Trowbridge, Bradford on Avon and Warminster, along with the aerial platform from Swindon, dealt with the incident.

Wiltshire Police said: “We were called by the fire service at approximately 5.30pm last night to the report of a flat fire on Roundstone Street, Trowbridge.

“The road was temporarily closed while the fire service dealt with extinguishing the fire. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.

“We are currently working with fire investigation officers to investigate the circumstances of the fire and our enquiries are ongoing at this stage.”

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service said:“Three crews attended, from Trowbridge, Bradford on Avon and Warminster, as well as the aerial ladder platform from Swindon."

Emergency response volunteers from the British Red Cross, based at Swindon fire station, handed out food and advice to the occupants of the flats.

Fire crews managed to bring the blaze under control by 7.06pm although they maintained a presence on the scene until about 10pm.

Eight breathing apparatus wearers used two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire, and all other accommodation within the building was checked.

Within two hours, crews were called out to a second fire at the nearby Rainbow Laundry Company in Timbrell Street, which began at 7.44pm and is believed to have started accidentally in a machine.

Crews from Melksham, Mere and Gillingham attended; the latter two had come into the area on stand-by due to the other fire.

Six breathing apparatus wearers used two hose reel jets and two covering jets.

Ventilation fans were also used to clear the smoke. The stop came at 10.20pm.