Boy arrested as Tipton flats fire sees dozens evacuated - WATCH
Eight people had to be rescued and dozens were evacuated after a suspected arson attack in Tipton which left residents in shock.
Nobody was injured in the fire but stranded residents had to escape through windows and be helped to safety down ladders from the block of flats on St Mark's Road.
A teenage boy is suspected of being responsible for the blaze.
West Midlands Fire Service said around 60 people were evacuated from the Greenlawns building, while eight people and a dog had to be rescued by firefighters.
A dramatic photo taken by local councillor Syeda Khatun showed smoke pouring into the night sky as raging flames spread up the side of the building.
Most of the right-hand side of the four-storey Greenlawns block appeared to be on fire.
WATCH: Residents give their reaction to the blaze
John Kennett took this video at the scene:
Six engines and 28 firefighters were sent to the scene shortly before 10pm and emptied Greenlawns - a privately-owned building made up of four adjoining blocks each containing nine flats.
It is one of four similar 36-flat buildings which back onto green space in between Hall Lane and Sandgate Road.
Police and paramedics were also at the flats, where a man and a woman were treated for smoke inhalation but didn't require hospital treatment. Nobody else was injured.
Although the fire service said 60 people were evacuated, leader of Sandwell Council Steve Ealing said the figure was closer to 40 and that three people stayed at nearby leisure centre Tipton Sports Academy.
“Fortunately the rest of residents were able to stay to arrange accommodation with friends and families," councillor Ealing added.
"Council officers were at the scene last night helping with evacuating and supporting residents and housing officials were at the scene today to discuss with the tenants their situations. “
Neighbours gathered on the street to watch as the drama unfolded, while several nearby roads were closed as a result of the incident.
Some of the residents caught up in the drama said the outcome could have been much worse.
A mother-of-three, who gave her name only as Kez, said she feared mass casualties similar to the Grenfell Tower blaze in London.
The 32-year-old said: "I think this fire could have turned out like the Grenfell Tower.
"I can't go back into the flat because of the damage.
"I don't know how long it will be until I can go back, I will have to phone the council."
The fire affected the rear block of Greenlawns and residents from the nine flats inside have not yet been allowed to return due to fire and electrical damage. Neighbours who live in flats in the other three sections of the building have returned home.
Janice Smith, the owner of the building, said: "I'm so thankful nobody got hurt. Buildings can be put right, but lives can't.
"I was here most of the night. There was around six or seven fire engines, ambulances, everybody came out.
"You couldn't get passed the road, it was full of people. It was chaotic. Police turned up quicker than I expected.
"I can't say what damage there is because it is a crime scene."
Kirk Saunders, aged 42 from Tipton, saw the fire taking hold from the park behind the flat.
He said: "I was coming across the park. As I was coming to the entrance, I saw this flat on fire.
"I tried to climb over the fence. I ran around and most people were out.
"I would say there was a bit of damage. I think a lot of it has been smoke."
The cause of the blaze is still being investigated, but a 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson. West Midlands Police confirmed the teenager was detained at his home in Tipton and will be questioned later today.
Reporter Jamie Brassington was at St Mark's Road today:
