RESIDENTS helped to form a human chain to save a young girl from a block of flats which had been targeted by arsonists.

Firefighters were called to tackle a blaze at Trinity Court, Halstead, at around 12.05am yesterday after a motorbike had been set on fire and left at the bottom of a stairwell.

Residents on the ground floor were able to leave the building but others on the floors above were left without an escape route.

While terrified residents waited for the firefighters, Aiden Hare, 25, said a human chain was formed to rescue his young daughter Lexi-Mai from a first floor window.

Mr Hare said: “When I saw the smoke, my main concern was my daughter.

“Luckily enough I know the people over the road at USA Fried Chicken and they come out to help.

“My friend, Jack, who was staying, managed to get out the window with their help.

“He then got on top of one of the guys from USA’s shoulders and then I was able to pass my daughter out the window and get her to safety.

“You know help is on the way but all I could think about was my daughter and keeping her safe.”

Once firefighters had arrived at the scene, they urged those residents left inside the building to remain where they were until the fire was put out.

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “Three crews were immediately sent to the incident and reported there was thick black smoke in the stairwell which would have made it difficult for residents to use the fire escape.

“A small number of ground floor residents had already made their way outside and firefighters told all remaining residents to follow usual stay put procedures by remaining inside their flats while crews tackled the fire.”

The fire was extinguished by 1.10am.

There are understood to have been no serious injuries although two people were treated for smoke inhalation by the ambulance service.

Josh Tokley is believed to be one of those treated after he battled through the smoke and knocked on doors to warn residents about the fire.

He is also said to have helped an elderly woman, known as Daisy, to escape from the building.

Mr Hare added: “Josh is a hero. I praise him for doing what he did. He didn’t care about himself, he just ran through the black smoke so he could warn everyone.”

The housing association which manages Trinity Court has confirmed there has been minimal damage to the building and that they will begin repair work as soon as possible.

A spokesman for Greenfields Community Housing said: "All emergency services were at the scene promptly. No flats were damaged in the fire, although there was some damage to the stairwell and communal area. We will be carrying out the necessary repairs as soon as possible.

"In the meantime, we’ve cleaned the area and installed temporary lighting for the safety of the residents; and ensured that they could return to their flats once it was confirmed safe to do so.

“We’ve not had any issues with anti-social behaviour in the last year but are aware that domestic household rubbish is not always being disposed of correctly by some residents; and we’re working with them and Braintree District Council to resolve this.”

Police are now appealing for information as they look to find those responsible for the fire.

An Essex Police spokesmen said: “A motorbike in a communal stairwell was on fire but that was extinguished by fire crews. The bike has been forensically recovered.” Anyone with information should contact Essex Police on 101.