POLICE in Winchester have arrested a teenager in connection with a fire that ripped through a home on a city housing estate and almost took the lives of two youngsters.

The two youths had to be rescued by firefighters after becoming trapped in the burning building while trying to tackle the blaze on their own.

One of the boys, a 17-year-old from Stanmore, was later taken to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, in Winchester, suffering from smoke inhalation.

He is still there though his condition is described as stable.

An investigation into the source of the blaze at the property in Cromwell Road, Stanmore, was immediately launched after firefighters revealed the blaze appeared to have been started in three different places.

The police were informed and a subsequent investigation led to the arrest of the youth.

Emergency services were called to the incident shortly after 11.15pm when neighbours spotted smoke and raised the alarm.

Firefighters used breathing apparatus to search the house, while several hose reels, engines, and positive pressure ventilation was needed to get the flames under control.

A spokesman for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were treating the blaze as suspicious.

Sub Officer Dave Graham from Winchester Fire Station, said: "There was a severe fire in the upstairs in all three bedrooms and a lot of smoke. We had to act very fast otherwise one of them would have been overcome by smoke.

"I would emphasise the need for smoke detectors, but I would also say to people don't try and tackle it yourself - alert the emergency services as soon as possible."

Another 17-year-old male youth from the Stanmore area of Winchester - not named for legal reasons - has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life. He is due before Basingstoke Youth Court on Wednesday, August 25.