Over forty residents are back in their flats after being evacuated and having to sleep in a town hall.

Residents of Yew Court, in Springfield Road, Crawley, were forced to leave their homes in the early hours of Friday morning after a "disturbance" and fire.

They were taken to Crawley Town Hall in the middle of the night, which was turned into a temporary rest centre for residents to use.

People were then allowed back into their homes on Friday afternoon.

READ MORE: Piers Morgan returns to Sussex village to celebrate birthday event

One person who was evacuated told The Argus that residents, including himself, were "exhausted, scared and visibly shaken".

He said: "All three blocks were evacuated, I'm not sure how many but maybe over 40 people were stood out in the cold and light rain from 1.30am until 4.15am when the bus came and picked us all up.

"There are many families that live there, some with children, and there are older residents that are unwell or have poor mobility."

The Argus: The town hall was used as a rest centre for people evacuated from their homes

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "A man has been charged following a fire in Crawley.

"Officers were called to a report of a disturbance at a flat in Yew Court, Springfield Road, Crawley, shortly before 1am on Friday, 15 March.

"Residents were evacuated from the building following a fire which is suspected to have been caused deliberately. They have since returned to their homes safely.

"Vehicles were also damaged after items were thrown out of a flat window.

"Clint Merritt, 44, of Lowfield Road, Slinford, was arrested and later charged with arson with intent to endanger life, affray and three counts of criminal damage.

"He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at a court to be fixed on April 15 for a plea hearing."