AN EXTREMELY serious arson attack has caused £10,000 damage to a block of flats in Camborne.

Police and fire crews were called to Hanover Court in Trenance Road at 2.15am on Friday, July 10 after a member of the public reported seeing smoke coming from the gas service box located at the front of the building.

No-one was injured but inspector David Eldridge of Devon and Cornwall Police says homeowners were at risk of being trapped and killed in the communal building.

He said: "It appears that some sort of accelerant had been used to start the fire in the area of the communal front door and Transco were called to isolate the gas supply at a nearby main.

"This was an extremely dangerous fire because it was near the gas main and it's a communal block of flats and had it gone up in flames you would have had people trapped in there and killed.

"It is fortunate that someone saw the smoke and rang the fire brigade immediately as any fire near the main could, potentially, cause extensive damage."

Police have made a number of enquiries but no-one has been arrested.

A police spokesman continued: "We are appealing for witnesses following an extremely serious fire.

"We would urge anyone who has any information as to who may have started the fire to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111".

Transco spent most of the day repairing the main next to the building and the cost of the damage to the premises is thought to be around £10,000.