Police have arrested a man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a fire at Watford YMCA.

Over 100 people were evacuated from the town centre high-rise following a third-floor flat blaze at around 10pm yesterday – with eight fire engines and multiple police shutting off the area.

Emergency services called to a fire at Watford YMCAEmergency services called to a fire at Watford YMCA (Image: Martin Crockatt)

A Herts Police spokesperson said this morning (July 5): “Police are investigating a suspected arson following a fire at the YMCA on Charter Place, Watford.

“Officers were called by the fire service at around 10.08pm yesterday following reports of a fire on the third floor.

“Road closures were put in place while the incident was dealt with. The building was evacuated, and there were no reported casualties.

“A 33-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody at this time.”

An ambulance and two ambulance officer vehicles attended and treated one person for smoke inhalation, who did not require transportation to hospital, according to the East of England Ambulance Service.

Due to being a 10-floor building, full high-rise procedures were used by Herts Fire and Rescue, a spokesperson said, which saw the site fully evacuated.

The blaze was contained to the flat and extinguished by around 11.15pm, although a heavy emergency services presence remained at the scene.

Eyewitness Aamir Ramos, who owns Café De Lisboa, said around 100 people had been moved to the nearby Beechen Grove Car Park as police and fire crews thronged to the area.

"It was all a bit crazy," he added.

Anyone with information has been asked to call police on 101 or report it via their website, quoting reference 41/54622/24.

Watford YMCA provides temporary accommodation for homeless people. It has been contacted for comment.