A MAN was arrested following a house fire in Maryport which left a building badly damaged.

Emergency services were called out to deal with the blaze at the former Vicarage property on Church Terrace.

Firefighters were called out at 11pm on June 13, and residents had to be evacuated.

Eyewitnesses spoke of the scale of the fire.

"It was a huge fire," one said. "I was speaking to a fireman who said that the roof was caving in, and it looked like the building would have to be demolished. 

“Three dogs came running out, I managed to get hold of one of them, but I understand there is still one missing."

There was another fire in Maryport on the same night - in an allotment - but the police said that these were unrelated incidents. 

A spokesperson from Cumbria Police said: "Regarding the two incidents in Maryport they were not connected.

“The fire in the allotments started off as a small fire, unknown cause, which spread to two allotments and sheds.

“The fire at the vicarage is still under investigation.”

A man was arrested on suspicion of arson following the vicarage fire. 

A spokesperson from Cumbria Police said: "Police were called at 11.28 pm yesterday (June 13) following a fire at a property in Church Terrace, Maryport.

"A man, 49, was arrested on suspicion of arson.

"The arrested man had sustained smoke inhalation and minor injuries during the fire incident and was taken to the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven for checks.

 "He is now in police custody."