He said: “The top floor flats were unable to evacuate due to smoke and flames. I spoke to police and paramedic who confirmed that no one was hurt.

“Five or six fire engine were in attendance as well as paramedics and police. Road closed and major incident vehicles present.”

Inspector Euan Smith of Police Scotland said:

“A man has been detained in relation to a disturbance that occurred within a block of flats in Durar Drive, Edinburgh on Wednesday, July 27th.

“The incident happened shortly before 11:30am when a member of the public reported seeing a man in possession of a knife and acting in a threatening manner.

“Local officers quickly attended the address and upon arrival discovered that a fire had taken hold within.

“A man was subsequently removed from the block of flats and taken into police custody while firefighters evacuated the area and extinguished the flames.

“A total of 12 people sustained smoke inhalation including a child who was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for assessment.

“Our inquiries into this incident are ongoing and I would urge anyone who has information or who witnessed any unusual behaviour in the Durar Drive area to contact police immediately on 101.

“Alternatively information can be passed anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A Spokesperson for the Scottish Ambulance Service Said

” As well as local ambulance crews our Special Operations Response Team attended this incident”

” Numerous people were treated at scene by Paramedics and one child was taken to Sick Childrens Hospital”