A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire at flats.

Police were first called at 7.15am today to a report of a man having broken into a property and causing a disturbance in The Steyne, Bognor.

Officers attended and found a fire was discovered in a next door property, which is being worked on by the fire service.

The Argus: A firefighter at the scene of the blazeA firefighter at the scene of the blaze (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

A 43-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment and arson with intent and has been taken into custody.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Several surrounding properties have been evacuated and nearby residents are advised to keep their windows closed.

“People are urged to avoid the area while emergency services work at the scene.”

The Argus: A fire engine at the sceneA fire engine at the scene (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that its firefighters were still at the scene at around 10am today.

Two cats were rescued from the flats.

The Argus: Moca, one of the cats rescued from the flatsMoca, one of the cats rescued from the flats (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

A spokeswoman for WSFRS said: “We are at the scene of a fire involving a property in The Steyne, Bognor.

“Our crews remain at the scene as damping down is in process. Please continue to avoid the area to allow our crews to work safely.”

Firefighters left the scene at around 10.30am