Police cordon on Portland Street, Newark, as officers investigate suspected arson attack in flat

A cordon is in place in Newark as officers investigate a suspected arson attack in a flat.

Police and firefighters were called to the property on Portland Street, Newark, at 1.15am today (Tuesday).

It is believed a sofa in the basement had been set alight.

A small number of people had to be evacuated, with a few occupants receiving treatment for smoke inhalation.

An area remains cordoned off while a joint investigation continues into the cause of the fire.

Detective Sergeant Dave Prest, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are continuing to work closely with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and a joint investigation has begun to establish the circumstances of how the fire began.

“We are urging anyone who may have witnessed anything or has any information which could assist us with our inquiries to please come forward.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 26 of December 7.