Man arrested in connection with huge blaze at 'torched' Livingston flats

28.01.2022 - 14:47 / dailyrecord.co.uk

A man has been arrested for 'wilful fireraising' following a blaze at a set of flats in Livingston.

Emergency services raced to the building on Katherine Street in the Craigshill area after the alarm was raised at around 8.35pm on Thursday January 27.

Police have now confirmed a 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the blaze.

Images shared on social media showed plumes of smoke rising into the sky, with large flames seen coming from the roof of the the building as locals watch on.

Locals were quickly evacuated as firefighters battled the flames.

Officers say a number of residents were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. They thankfully did not require hospital treatment.

A total of 15 appliances descended onto the scene after the blaze broke out at a ground floor flat.

It's understood fire crews remain at the scene.

Officers say their enquires are ongoing.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 8.45pm on Thursday, January 27, officers received a report of a fire at a block of flats in Katherine Street, Livingston.

"One person was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation but did not require hospital treatment.

"A number of residents required alternative accommodation.

"A 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with wilful fireraising and police enquiries are ongoing."

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 8.35pm on Thursday, January 27 to reports of a fire within a ground floor flat in a four-storey building in Katherine Street, Livingston.

“Operations Control mobilised 15 appliances, three height appliances and specialist resources to the scene and firefighters are working to extinguish the fire.

“Crews currently remain in attendance.”