A man has been arrested after cannabis plants were found following a fire at a block of flats in Islington.

Officers and London Fire Brigade were called to the blaze at a three-storey maisonette in the Bakersfield Estate at 4.30am today (November 21).

Around 35 residents were evacuated to a nearby rest centre as firefighters tackled the fire, which damaged parts of the ground, first, and second floors of the ten-storey building.

Following investigations at the scene, officers found several cannabis plants in the property.

(Image: Contributor)

A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled drug and remains in custody.

The fire, which prompted eight 999 calls and a response from 60 firefighters, was brought under control by 5.39am.

No injuries were reported, and enquiries into the circumstances of the fire are ongoing.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "The Brigade's FSG app enables Control Officers to manage incidents like this one, where multiple people within a building have contacted the Brigade and require at times lifesaving advice on staying safe.

"The app also allows information to be quickly and accurately exchanged between Control Officers and firefighters at the scene so safety advice can reflect any changes as the incident develops."

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “On Thursday, 21 November at 4.30am police were called by the London Fire Brigade (LFB) following a fire in Bakersfield, Islington.

“Officers attended the scene and assisted LFB whilst they extinguished the fire.

“Following enquiries on scene, a number of cannabis plants were found.

“A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of production or being concerned in the production of a controlled drug; he remains in custody.

“Enquiries into the circumstances of the fire are on-going.”

A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said: “Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a fire at a residential block of flats on Bakers Field in Islington.

“A three-floor maisonette on the ground through second floors of the ten-storey building was alight.

“Half of the ground and first floors and part of the second floor were damaged by fire. Around 35 residents were taken to a nearby rest centre. There are no reports of any injuries.

“The Brigade's 999 Control Officers gave vital Fire Survival Guidance (FSG) to those inside the building on how to stay safe before firefighters arrived.”