Residents have been left "exhausted, scared and visibly shaken" after a flat fire saw them evacuate their homes in the middle of the night.

People living in Yew Court, Springfield Road, Crawley, were forced to evacuate in the early hours of Friday morning after a fire and disturbance was reported shortly before 1am.

One resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, said he was first aware that something was going on when he heard "shouting and banging" at 12.30am.

He called the police and when the emergency services, including Sussex Police, arrived, people started to be evacuated.

READ MORE: Residents evacuated and large Sussex Police presence at Crawley flats

He told The Argus: "Most of the residents were exhausted, scared and visibly shaken.

"All three blocks were evacuated, I'm not sure how many but maybe over 40 people were stood out in the cold and light rain from 1.30am until 4.15am when the bus came and picked us all up.

"There are many families that live there, some with children, and there are older residents that are unwell or have poor mobility."

People evacuated from their homes were taken to Crawley Town Hall, which has been used as a rest centre since the incident broke out.

Sussex Police confirmed that a 44-year-old man was arrested on Friday on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

READ MORE: Arrest after people evacuated from flats

A spokesman for Sussex Police said on Friday morning: "Emergency services are currently responding to a disturbance at a flat in Yew Court, Springfield Road, Crawley, which was reported shortly before 1am on Friday (15 March).

"Residents have been evacuated from the building following a fire which is suspected to have been caused deliberately. A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

"This is an ongoing, isolated incident and does not pose a threat to the wider public. A heightened police presence is expected at this time. 

"We will continue to work with partners to ensure the building is safe and that residents can return to their homes as soon as possible."

"We’d like to thank the public for their patience and for co-operating with officers and our partners."

No injuries have been reported following the incident.