DETECTIVES investigating an arson attack on a house full of asylum seekers have arrested a Southampton man.

The man is due to be interviewed later today by detectives investigating Operation Ballyforan.

Some ten residents of various nationalities were led to safety after the blaze gutted part of the house in Carlton Road, Southampton, at about 3.15am on Friday, June 6.

Police believe an arsonist broke into the multi-occupancy property as the residents slept and removed a smoke alarm from the ceiling of a landing before setting fire to an adjacent room.

It was only luck that one man sleeping just yards away woke up, smelt smoke and raised the alarm, according to detectives, who are treating the fire as a racially-motivated attack.

About a dozen firefighters were called to the incident and led all the residents to safety before tackling the blaze wearing breathing apparatus.

One man was treated for the effects of smoke inhalation at Southampton General Hospital and all ten were re-homed in alternative accommodation after the blaze.

Each had been living in their own single room in the privately-owned property and it was thought they had all come to Southampton seeking refuge from countries in Africa, including Somalia.

The attack has been universally condemned across the city.

Detectives, led by Shirley Detective Inspector Paul Barton, continue to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information about the fire to contact them at Shirley CID on 0845 045 45 45 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111. Callers should refer to Operation Ballyforan.