AROUND 20 firefighters were called to tackle a blaze at a block of flats in Old Hall.

Fire crews were called to the fire just after 8.45pm on Sunday at a block of flats in Cavendish Close.

On arrival, they found a well-developed fire in a first floor flat.

Ten flats were evacuated at the height of the fire before flames were put out around 11.15pm.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is under way with firefighters expected to be at the scene, dampening down throughout today, Monday.

Three men have been arrested by police.

A police spokesman added: "At 9.10pm on Sunday 31 August 2014, police were called to an address in Gregory Close, Warrington to a report of a flat fire.

"Cheshire Fire and Rescue tackled the blaze while five families were evacuated from the block and road closures were put in place.

"The fire was extinguished but several of the flats were damaged.

"Three men from the Warrington area aged 40, 20 and 35 were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent and are currently helping police with their enquiries."

A Your Housing Group spokesman added: “Our staff are currently onsite and we are working with the relevant authorities to establish the cause and extent of the damage.

"We are doing everything we can to support and look after any of our residents who have been affected.”

Anyone with information should contact Cheshire Police quoting incident number 882 of 31 August 2014. Alternatively information can be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.