POLICE have questioned a man arrested on suspicion of starting a fire at a flat.

The 36-year-old was arrested on Monday night after a blaze at a property in Tulip Grove, Newcastle.

Firefighters from Ashley and Hanley arrived at the scene at about 8.55pm.

Police were last night still questioning the man they arrested.

A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: "A fire had been started at the property, but there was not extensive damage. There was also no damage to any other properties.

"Officers arrested a 36-year-old man on suspicion of arson."

Two firefighters used breathing apparatus to extinguish the small fire on the first floor.

A woman in the property at the time was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

Damage was caused to the carpet of the bedroom and the rest of the property suffered smoke damage.

Firefighters say the blaze was caused by clothes, which had been set alight.

Flats in the street, and others nearby, are managed by Aspire Housing.

A 45-year-old man, who lives in one of the Aspire flats in Tulip Grove, who did not want to be named, said: "I did not know about the fire until after it had happened, but it does surprise me. Things around here are normally quite quiet."

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has put out a warning to residents about the importance of having a working smoke alarm and stressed the dangers of starting fires.

Rob Barber, assistant area commander for Newcastle, pictured above, said: "Setting fires puts lives at risk. It is dangerous, irresponsible and illegal. Perpetrators can be sure of receiving severe punishment."

He added: "Such incidents also bring home the importance of having a smoke alarm fitted in your property.

"In providing people with an early warning of a fire, it gives you extra time to get out safely and contact emergency services."

Free home fire risk checks can be booked by calling 0800 0241 999.