A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson following the destruction of two West Molesey flats.
Surrey Police confirmed he is currently in custody on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
Flames tore through a two-storey building in Island Farm Road this morning, leaving both floors with 70 per cent damage, Surrey Fire said.
The blaze began at about 4.30am on the first floor and has also affected the roof. Five fire crews are fighting the flames.
A Surrey Police spokesman said: "Officers are currently in the area carrying out enquiries and are appealing for anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area to contact 101 or report it online at https://my.surrey.police.uk/splonereportingweb quoting the reference number P15123845."
Surrey Fire and Rescue service said no one was injured.
Neighbour Robert Hart, 68, said: "It was going up quick. You could see the flames in the dark. There was a lot of smoke.
"People were all lined up outside the building. There were people out in their pyjamas. I came out this morning, I don't know what time it was, and the building was going up.
"The building was going like a good 'un. I wouldn't know how high the flames were but it was big.
"We all came out together. There was a lot of smoke but you could see the flames all coming through."
Ambulance crews were on hand as a safety precaution for the firefighters, with a large cordon in place.
Did you see what happened? Contact the newsdesk by emailing ellie.cambridge@london.newsquest.co.uk.
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