A MAN arrested in connection with a suspected arson attack on a house in Cliftonville, near Margate, on Sunday night, has been bailed as police inquiries continue.

The 40-year-old from Cliftonville was detained at 1am on Monday for questioning and has been released until November 22.

Five people were led to safety from the four-storey building at Surrey Road shortly before midnight after fire had broken out in a ground floor flat.

A fire and rescue service spokeswoman said that one man was checked at the scene for the effects of smoke inhalation after trying to fight his way into the building.

Fire crews from the Margate and Thanet station at Broadstairs wore breathing apparatus as they fought their way through the smoke and flames, while a 20ft tall ladder was used as part of the rescue operation.

All those led from the building were taken to the Queen Mother Hospital at Margate for treatment.

Firefighters had the blaze under control within an hour of the alarm being raised.