Watford flats still out of bounds after fire in tower block

Police confirmed late this afternoon the majority of residents at the Abbey View block on the Meriden estate in Watford have been able to return home.

However, the fire – which is being treated as arson – has left people in five properties needing somewhere else to stay.

Update: Boys aged 13 and 14 charged with arson 

Hertfordshire Constabulary said they are being supported by Watford Community Housing, which manages the building in Garsmouth Way, and Watford mayor Peter Taylor says accommodation has been found for the families.

Smoke coming from the 17 storey Abbey View block of flats on the Meriden estate in Watford. Credit: Andrew Carberry

There have been no reports of any serious injuries but Watford Detective Inspector Chris Parperi says this could “easily have been a different story”.

Andrew Carberry, who lives on the estate, told the Observer earlier today how he started shouting and ran to warn people living in the block about the fire after hearing an explosion at around 5am.

Read more: Watford man saved family from fire by raising alarm

Read more: Abbey View tower fire resident feared 'another Grenfell'

Meanwhile, Guru Awasthi, who lives on the second floor of the 17-storey Abbey View block, said he and his neighbours helped with the evacuation and spoke about “panic” amid fears of a repeat of Grenfell.

Paramedics at the scene treated some people for minor smoke inhalation. Residents, who initially looked on as crews battled to put out the fire, were later taken to a community centre.

Fire damage at Abbey View

A police investigation into how the fire started has been launched. Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue said this morning that it sent eight fire engines and that the fire is believed to have started in the block’s bin area, but spread to the building.

Tina Barnard, chief executive of Watford Community Housing, said measures it has in place meant the fire was "contained" and the spread "limited" to the 94-flat building.

Photos showed significant damage to the lower part of the building, with piles of rubble and burnt out windows.

Fire damage at Abbey View

It’s unclear just how high in the building the fire spread before it was brought under control.

The Meriden community have rallied to support those who have been affected and lost items in the fire.

The town's mayor Peter Taylor said: "I was shocked to hear this morning about the fire at Abbey View and my thoughts are with all of the families involved. I am pleased that the five families affected directly have been found alternative accommodation.

"I would like to pay tribute to the fire services who responded so quickly, preventing the fire from spreading further, and the ambulance crews who dealt with the residents with smoke inhalation.

"I would also like to thank the police for making prompt arrests."

Read more: Mother rallies support for families who lost their homes to tower block fire

Two boys aged 13 and 14 are currently being quizzed by detectives about the blaze.

Det Insp Parperi said: “Two arrests were swiftly made and enquiries are continuing at this time to establish the circumstances around what happened. As part of this, we are appealing for anyone with information to please come forward.

“Did you witness anyone acting suspiciously in the area around the time? Any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, could greatly assist us.”

Some of the emergency services at the scene

Anyone with information about the fire can report online at herts.police.uk/report, or call 101 quoting ISR 90 of July 12.

Alternatively contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.