A MAN has been charged with arson following an inferno at a flat in Hatfield.

The blaze took hold in a first floor flat in Willow Way at around 7pm on Sunday.

Watch commander Steve Duncan, from Hatfield fire station, said: “When we arrived the first floor was well alight and heavily smoke logged.”

Mr Duncan said the fire had started in a back bedroom and described the cause as “doubtful”.

He also confirmed that firefighters led one “confused” occupant to safety.

“He was taken to the QE2 Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation,” Mr Duncan said.

John Scott, 39, of Willow Way, Hatfield, has been charged with arson with intent and has been remanded in custody.