A Letchworth man was arrested and his neighbours evacuated after reports that a house was going to be set on fire yesterday evening.

As it was believed there was a possible gas leak, firefighters, ambulance crews and the National Grid were also called to the scene in Eldefield.

When the gas was switched off, police entered an address at around 7.15pm and a man was arrested on suspicion of threats to cause criminal damage.

Neighbours were allowed to return to their properties shortly after and nobody was injured in the incident.

The man was taken into police custody where he currently remains.