A MAN has been detained under the mental health act following a flat fire in Bracknell yesterday.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue service were called shortly after midday following reports of a blaze in a block of flats.

Thames Valley Police were also called to the scene in Nightingale Crescent, Bracknell.

As fire officers made their way up to the flat they found the door was locked, although it was apparent that people were inside.

The crews used an enforcer to break down the door, and two officers managed to extinguish the flames.

A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and was bailed until September 29, but he was detained under the Mental Health Act for safety reasons.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said another man was taken to hospital after suffering smoke inhalation during the blaze at Iveagh Court yesterday, but he has since been discharged.

The spokesman said: “TVP was called shortly after 12.15pm yesterday by the fire service to a report that a flat in Iveagh Court, Nightingale Crescent, Bracknell, was on fire.

“A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and was bailed until 29 September. He has also been detained under the Mental Health Act.

Liza Lacey, watch manager at Wokingham fire station added: “The fire was in the sitting room of the flat, he was not keen to let us in. We had to break the door down with an enforcer.”