The 47-year-old suffered just minor injuries after escaping from the three-storey building in Halstead Place, South Shields, at about 3.45pm yesterday.

A fire had broken out in the man's flat and police, firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene.

He was taken to hospital suffering from shock and smoke inhalation, but has since been released.

Last night, police had cordoned off the area surrounding the six flats, which were evacuated.

Two residents, a man in his 60s and a woman in her 40s, were given oxygen at the scene, but were not taken to hospital.

The fire-hit flat front door and frame were destroyed and the lobby badly fire damaged. The rest of the property was damaged by heat and smoke.

One neighbour said: "I came out of the house and I saw flames and smoke billowing out of the landing area of the flats.

"I didn't know what had happened but I believe everyone got out safely. It must be being treated as suspicious as the police have cordoned the area off."

Anyone with any information is asked to call South Shields CID on 03456 043 043.