AN 18-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of arson after homes had to be evacuated in Redhouse last night. 

Police were called shortly after midnight to Spode Close following reports that a man had started a fire inside a flat. 

Officers arrested a man, 19, on suspicion of arson. He remains in custody.

READ MORE: Bomb squad called and teen arrested on suspicion of arson

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: "Based on information provided to officers during the arrest the flats, as well as a number of addresses nearby had to be evacuated as a precaution. 

"A cordon was set up while steps were taken to ensure the building was safe."

People were able to return to their homes by 2.40am. 

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that crews from Stratton and Drove Road fire stations were sent to the blaze. They left the scene by 3am.

Supt Adrian Burt, Swindon borough commander for Wiltshire Police, said: He said: “I know that last night’s incident would have been concerning for all those involved, particularly those people who were woken by the emergency services and asked to leave their homes in the middle of the night.

“I’m sure everyone appreciates that we were acting with the public’s safety at the forefront of our minds and, although are actions were precautionary, we had to make sure nobody was put in harm’s way.

“I would like to commend all the police officers and staff who attended the incident, as well as thank our colleagues from the other emergency services and the military, for their support. Their professionalism meant we were able to resolve this quickly and with minimum disruption.

“I would also like to thank the staff at the nearby Asda supermarket who kindly agreed to shelter the evacuated residents until we could confirm it was safe for them to return home.”