Terrified families had to flee their homes as the blaze spread quickly through the ground-floor of a six-storey building in Charlotte Street, in the East End.

Detectives have urged anyone with any information about the fire to contact police.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Evening Times, several residents raised the alarm after the bin and two foam-filled sofas were set alight at the bottom of the common stairway.

The blaze – which is the latest in a spate of wheelie-bin fires across the city – broke out shortly after 3pm on Sunday.

Investigations are also continuing into two incidents in nearby Toryglen where bins were also set alight

In another two similar incidents in the city recently, this time in the South Side, an elderly couple had to flee their home in Cathcart and a couple had to be treated for smoke inhalation in Pollokshields.

Householders who have been moved to temporary accommodation due to the damage, will have to begin a clear-up operation when they are allowed to return to their homes.

Police and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue are carrying out a joint investigation into the blaze.

A police spokeswoman said: "We are treating the fire as wilful and are currently carrying out investigations."

Fire officials confirmed that the fire started in a wheelie bin and two abandoned items of foam-filled furniture.

Anyone with any information should call 0141 532 2000.

rebecca.gray@ heraldandtimes.co.uk