A BLAZE THAT has left several families temporary locked out of their homes is being treated by Police as suspicious.
No injuries were sustained when the fire broke out in a second-floor flat at Royal Court on Tytler Street in Forres late on Monday evening.
However, following the blaze it has been reported that an unnamed 51-year-old man was detained by police and is helping them with their inquiries. Fire and Rescue service investigation specialists are also expected at the scene today to conduct a probe into the cause of the fire.
It is not known when residents will be able to return to their homes with a fire and rescue service spokesman saying that a joint investigation with police was ongoing.
The tenanted flats are owned by Langstane Housing based in Aberdeen. Housing director for firm Judith Sutherland travelled to Moray on Tuesday and said that they would liaise with Moray Council as they held a statutory duty to provide temporary accommodation under homelessness legislation.
She said: “That applies to anyone who has been displaced because of a fire and cannot gain access to their home. The building has been cordoned off and we have spoken with all the residents affected by that.
“They have all been provided with somewhere to stay through Moray Council or from family and friends.”
It is not know to what extent the flats were damaged by the blaze, which was dealt with by three fire crews from Forres and Nairn. Ms Sutherland said: “All six flats were tenanted – we believe that some may have suffered smoke damage.”
Update: Police Scotland confirmed that a 51-year-old man has been charged in connection with the fire and is expected to appear at Elgin Sheriff Court today.