A 38-year old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a sheltered housing accommodation block was set on fire.

Residents were evacuated and seven pensioners taken to hospital yesterday when a fire ripped through Guinness Court in Chepstow Road, Croydon, shortly after 1am on Tuesday morning.

A 72-year-old woman remains in hospital in a serious condition, while the remaining residents have been temporarily re-housed by Croydon Council.

A spokeswoman for Guinness Care and Support, which own and manage the scheme said seven homes had been badly damaged.

Michael Castle whose grandmother lives at the accommodation said: "You think the worse because there is no roof on the building, it is a big shock but luckily my nan is ok."

Police are linking the fire at the flats to two other fires in the area that night.

The first incident was a wheelie bin and vehicle fire in Clyde Road and police were later informed two skips were on fire in Lansdowne Road.

Officers are appealing for three potential witnesses to come forward, two women and a teenage girl.

The women are both believed to be in their 50's and the teenager is believed to be around 16-years-old. All three are white.

Detective Sergeant Tim Hammond, Croydon CID said: "I am very keen to trace the women and teenage girl who I believe were together in the Canning Road area of Croydon.

"I must stress that they are not suspects but I am led to believe they may have witnessed vital information which could assist us. I would urge them to come forward and speak to me."