Police have arrested a local man in his 40s, following a suspected arson attack on Northlands Street in Camberwell. The incident saw flames blaze three storeys and a roof high early in the morning on March 3.

Five people sustained fall-related injuries from having jumped out of a second storey window to flee the flames. Other victims are reported to have injured their hands and feet on broken glass. The hospital has since discharged four of the five people.

According to local news reports, the fire broke out at 4:30am and required approximately six fire brigades to keep it under control. After a four – hour battle with the flames, 35 firefighters closed the operation successfully. A fire brigade spokesperson noted that there were no smoke alarms in the property, and stressed the importance of them to “avoid such hazards.”

“I woke up when I heard the sirens and loud voices, but was too scared to leave my apartment,” said an elderly woman, who did not wish to be identified. She claimed to have seen people in all the surrounding apartments at their windows, anxiously peering at the scene.

The suspect was released and awaits a return date from the court. Police are encouraging any one with information on the incident to call on 101.

The house-turned-inferno and its surrounding area have been cordoned off, as police inquiries rage on. “That [night] was a bloody nightmare! I hope they [police] find the a*****e who did this,” exclaimed Northlands Street resident Drew.

A police spokesperson stated that inquiries were ongoing and refused to disclose further details.