ARSONISTS set fire to a posh block of flats in Finsbury on Saturday night - putting hundreds of lives in danger.

Two men wearing gloves and dark clothing were seen acting suspiciously near the Nicholas King Apartment Building, in Lambs Passage, shortly before its storage area went up in flames.

The fire took hold at about 6.30pm and there were fears that the whole building would go up in smoke, but firefighters were able to get the fire under control and avert potential tragedy.

Detective Constable Cen Blackwell said: ”The building where the fire occurred contains eighty flats. Were it not for the quick and professional response of London Fire Brigade the potential damage and loss of life could have been devastating. I would urge anyone who might have noticed any suspicious activity to contact police.”

The two suspects are believed to have been driving a black estate car.

Anyone with information should call Islington CID on 020 7421 0144 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.