A MAN was rushed to hospital and several families left locked out of their homes after a suspicious fire in Hamilton. 

Paramedics rushed to a block of flats in Hamilton on Monday after reports of a fire. 

A total of five people had to be rescued as a result of the incident, which is said to have taken place at around 11:45am. 

A 59 year old man was taken to Wishaw General Hospital believed to be suffering from smoke inhalation. He was later discharged.

READ MORE: Glasgow hospital evacuate five patients following fire on ward

Police are treating the incident as suspicious and are appealing for information, saying the flats have suffered 'significant damage'. 

Detective Sergeant Martin McKendrick, Cambuslang CID, said: “This fire, has left several families unable to get back into their homes.

"It was clearly a very frightening incident for everyone and the block of flats has suffered significant damage.

READ MORE: Trailer fire on M8 at Paisley causing traffic problems

"Early indications are that the fire was started deliberately and I am appealing to anyone who was in the Burnbank area, around the time of the incident, who may have noticed something suspicious or odd to contact us.

"Also, I would appeal to anyone who may have captured the fire on their mobile phone to get in touch as this may also assist with our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call CID officers at Cambuslang Police Station via 101.

Read more of today's top Glasgow stories. 

Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be provided anonymously.