A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with a fire at Andromeda Court, Harold Hill.

The blaze engulfed the top floor of the block of flats in Myrtle Road, on Saturday, June 4.

A 24-year-old man, arrested on the same day as the fire, has been detained under the Mental Health Act and is bailed to return later this month.

Brian Gregory, 65, has been living in a Travelodge since the fire destroyed his home more than two months ago.

He said: “We lost everything in the fire. I have been offered another flat by the council and its totally substandard.”

Eight fire crews, some from as far away as Holloway, were called to tackle the blaze which took two hours for 58 firefighters to bring under control.

The council has found new alternative one-bedroom properties for those who lost their homes.

Cabinet member for housing, Cllr Damian White said: “We’re very sorry we have not been able to permanently rehouse these five tenants sooner.

“There is very great pressure on the limited housing stock available and we have moved as fast as possible.”

In a stroke of bad luck, Mr Gregory had come to the end of his contents only insurance policy and was exploring different policies when the fire broke out.

He is hoping the council provide some financial assistance to replace belongings.

There were no injuries reported in the incident and officers from Havering CID continue to investigate.