A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of double murder after two young girls were killed in a devastating flat fire. Emergency services rushed to the scene when a blaze ripped through the property in Fairisle Close, Clifton, Nottingham, at 3.17am on Sunday (20/11). Two children, aged one and three, were taken to the city's Queen's Medical Centre along with a woman, believed to be their mother. Tragically, the two youngsters were pronounced dead at hospital while the woman remains fighting for her life in a critical condition. Today (Mon) police revealed a man, from Clifton, had been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder following the suspected arson attack. He remains in custody being quizzed by detectives. Nottinghamshire Police said the blaze was started in a first-floor flat of the two-storey residential property and neighbours were evacuated as fire crews tackled the blaze. The force revealed a murder inquiry was launched after a joint fire and police investigation earlier today concluded the fire was started deliberately. Detective Chief Inspector Greg McGill said: “This is a deeply tragic incident and we have a large team working tirelessly to understand the full circumstances. “Whilst we have now made an arrest, the investigation remains at an early stage and we are continuing to appeal to anyone who has even the slightest bit of information, or even CCTV or dash-cam footage, to please come forward.” Inspector Ben Lawrence, who has led patrols in the local community following the fire, added: “These are clearly very sad circumstances and our thoughts continue to be with the family of those involved. “This has also been an extremely traumatic event for the local community, especially for neighbours who have been left shocked and deeply saddened by the deaths of two very young children. “We've increased reassurance patrols in the area and if anyone has any concerns we'd encourage them to speak to one of our officers.” Chris Clark, group manager for prevention at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, added: “All of our thoughts are with the family of those involved and we send our deepest condolences. “Alongside the police we will now investigate the cause of this fire and tragic loss of life. “We recognise what has happened will be deeply distressing for the local community, and we will be in the area to offer reassurance to residents over the coming days.” Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to visit an online police portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operati... or call 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.