DOZENS of people escaped a block of flats after arsonists set fire to a rolled up carpet in an emergency escape stairwell.
Police praised residents and shopkeepers who rushed to help those who had to flee four-storey Elbourne House, in Horley town centre, when the fire broke out, filling the corridors with smoke.
A 14-year-old and two 15-year-olds, arrested on suspicion of arson, were later released on police bail.
Fire crews rushed to the block on Lumley Road shortly after 6pm last Thursday, calling in police after suspecting it was torched deliberately.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Jo Clarke said: "Luckily no-one was hurt as a result of this mindless act and I would appeal to anyone who can assist with our investigation to contact us as a matter of urgency with information."
Reigate and Banstead Neighbourhood Inspector Dan Gutierrez, added: "It was great to see the Horley community pull together following the incident and I would like to thank them, in particular local shops in the area, for providing shelter and free refreshments to those affected by the fire, as well as to the emergency crews attending."
A pump from Horley fire station was first at the scene, followed by engines from Reigate and Crawley.
Communal areas of the building, which houses shops on the ground floor and flats above, were heavily smoke-logged when fire crews arrived, but all residents had been safely evacuated.
Horley watch commander Simon Harris said: "We were called to an automatic fire alarm and on route it was confirmed as a fire.
"The fire was in the fire escape stairwell on the ground floor.
"We smashed the door to get access to it and used one hose reel to extinguish it."
Six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus went inside the smoke-filled building and used a fan to clear the air.
The location of the fire – in an emergency escape route – made it particularly serious, watch commander Harris added.
Anyone who can help detectives with their investigation is urged to call Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference 45140023993, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A 14-year-old boy from Horley and two 15-year-old boys from Smallfield, arrested on suspicion of arson, were released on police bail until May 27.
