[A] MAN who was rescued from a fire this morning has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
The 47-year-old was rescued by firefighters from the three-storey building on Skinnergate, in Darlington, earlier today.
He was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital with minor injuries where he was later arrested.
He has been released under investigation while he is treated in hospital for his injuries and to allow officers to carry out enquiries into the cause of the fire.
Police were called to the incident at 4.30am by colleagues from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service.
The fire has been extinguished but fire crews and officers will remain on scene in Skinnergate.
A Durham Constabulary spokeswoman said: “We appreciate this incident has had a huge impact on businesses and residents in the local area, and we’d like to thank them for their patience and cooperation throughout.
“We will remain at the scene while a thorough investigation is carried out by ourselves and the fire service into the circumstances surrounding the fire.
“Skinnergate remains closed to traffic, but we hope to have a pedestrian access route open by this evening.”
