Man arrested for endangering life after eight people rescued from burning Peterborough flats released by police

Fire crews were twice called out at around 6am on Friday, January 3 to Leighton in Orton Malborne where they escorted adults and children from two families to safety from the burning building.

An investigation began immediately with the fire believed to have been started deliberately.

Police later arrested a 45-year-old from Peterborough man on suspicion of criminal damage and arson endangering life. He was bailed to Thorpe Wood Police Station until January 30, but a police spokeswoman said today: “The 45-year-old man was released with no further action on January 14.”

There were no reported injuries from the fires, police said in the aftermath.

However, seven were taken to Peterborough City Hospital by ambulance with possible smoke inhalation.

Asked if police were still investigating, the police spokeswoman said: “Officers have investigated all available lines of enquiry and at this stage the case has been filed. If any further information comes to light, this will be investigated.”