A MAN who was arrested on suspicion of arson after a 'severe' blaze at a three-storey block of flats on Friday night has been bailed.

Shortly after 11pm firefighters were called to the inferno at Harrier Drive, Didcot.

One man had to be rescued after he was found inside the burning building by firefighters from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue service.

He was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.

A 21-year-old man from Didcot was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and was later released on police bail until April 13.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as a fire investigation team and detectives remained on site to scour the wreckage this morning.

One resident of the block of flats, Jodie Spiers, 22, is just 7 weeks away from giving birth, and said she was woken up to shouts and screams from inside.

She said: "It was about 11pm and me and my partner heard the fire alarm going off.

"The next we knew we heard banging on our door and a woman was screaming 'fire, fire'.

"We grabbed our eldest and got out of the flat. There was smoke going through the whole block of flats.

"People were screaming and shouting."

Her partner, Peter, rushed into one of the flats in a bid to rescue one family but was overcome by the smoke and had to leave.

Eight children and ten adults were evacuated from the building and one man was later rescued from inside, having made his way inside the building after the fire had started according to eyewitnesses.

A neighbour to the block of flats, Jennifer Howard, 37, said: "I heard a woman screaming and I initially thought it was people just going up the road.

"I then heard what sounded like a bonfire and I looked outside and saw flames coming up out of the top window.

"They were fairly high and coming up out of the top."

She said that having lived there for the last three years she had never seen anything like that before.

She said: "It is a lovely estate to live on here and a real sense of community so it was a shock to me."

Police are now appealing for witnesses to contact them with any information.

Investigating officer, Det Sgt Roger Lamboll, of Force CID based at Abindgdon, said: “We are carrying out a thorough investigation into this incident, and we are making enquiries, however I would also ask anyone who believes they may have information relevant to this incident to come forward and contact us on 101 quoting the reference 1961 10/3/17.

“We have officers on the scene and would advise any members of who have concerns to please speak to one of them."

Incident commander at the fire service Andy Halstead said of the blaze: “This was a severe fire and required immediate action, our fire crews were able to fight through the blaze and rescue the missing resident and also to secure the safety of neighbours. 

“Emergency responders from all three blue-light services combined to ensure a safe, swift and effective conclusion to this incident.  

“We will be re-visiting the area today to offer home and fire safety advice to residents”