POLICE have arrested a man following a spate of suspected arsons in Swaythling, Southampton.

It comes following reports of three fires in five days in the area.

The fires took place within half a mile of each other – including two on the same street.

The last incident left a family trapped and screaming for help after a blaze began outside their first-floor flat.

Police say a 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident, in High Road.

He has also been arrested in connection with another incident, on Langhorn Road.

The man has since been released by police, but remains under investigation.

Swaythling councillors have since praised police for making an arrest.

Cllr Spiros Vassiliou said: “I feel much safer now that I know someone has been caught.

“This is a credit to police and the local community who have helped with this investigation.”

Another councillor, Bob Painton, added: “Now hopefully people in the area will feel more at ease knowing someone has been arrested.”

Police promised to step-up patrols in Swaythling following three suspected arson attacks in three days.

After the latest arson attack on February 19 one neighbour, who did not want to be named, said they could hear “screams through the walls” as the family inside begged for help.

The rescued family were taken to hospital as a precaution.