A 28-year-old man has been charged with arson, criminal damage and two counts of common assault after a fire at a block of flats in Sutton.

Allan Frost, 28, was arrested after the fire at Westmoreland Drive in Sutton early on Sunday morning, September 24.

A Metropolitan spokeswoman said that the charges of common assault allegedly took place against two women.

Frost, who doesn't have a fixed address, is due to appear at Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court today (September 25).

Grant Bickell, who was visiting family at the block of flats, told Sutton Guardian: "I've never known anything like it. It was one of the most horrible situations of my life.

"We woke up to banging and shouting."

London Fire Brigade were called to the incident at 4.32am on Sunday morning.

A spokesperson claimed that smoke alarms "saved the lives of at least 18 people".

A statement continued: “Yet again smoke alarms alerted a resident who then dialled 999. Everyone should have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of their home and the safest option is to have those linked together. This will give the earliest warning if there is a fire in your home.

“It is also vitally important that communal areas are kept clear. Things must not be stored in corridors or staircases as this can block escape routes and stop firefighters doing their job.”

The resident who called the Fire Brigade after waking to the smoke alarm relived his experiences with Sutton Guardian. 

John Paul Sauve Sauce said: "In the early hours of the morning I woke up hearing an alarm which I thought was my phone at first. I smelled smoke, checked the apartment and checked the front door before opening it.

"It was pitch black outside. I closed the door and I got everyone up and phoned the fire brigade. They told me to get everyone onto the balcony."

Two people were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation by the London Ambulance Service.