A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson to endanger life after a flat fire.

The 23-year-old man was arrested after fire crews were called to the scene of the blaze at a flat in Brighton Road, Horsham overnight.

Fire crews doused the top floor of the property with water, halting the blaze and leaving the charred exterior.

The suspect remains in custody.

Sussex Police said they were called to Brighton Road at around 7pm after the fire in top floor of the building, near to the junction with Arthur Road.

The damage caused by the fireThe damage caused by the fire (Image: Eddie Mitchell)

Crews from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service tackled the blaze which singed the outside of the building and damaged the flat.

A force spokeswoman said: "Officers arrested a 23-year-old man from Horsham on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and criminal damage.

"He has been taken to custody, where he remains at this time."

Brighton Road was temporarily closed while crews tackled the fire but this has since been lifted.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to assist police enquiries is asked to make a report. You can do this online, or by calling 101 quoting reference 1076 of 26/11.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were approached for comment.