The air is filled with smoke from the blaze in Lower Clapton Road. Photo credit: Tony Hardiman/FR pix

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson, following a fire in a former hostel in Lower Clapton in which a man died.

Around 40 fire fighters battled for four hours after being called at 4am to the disused Salvation Army hostel in Lower Clapton Road on Saturday August 4, which it’s believed was being used as a squat.

One man who jumped about 25ft (7.6m) from a window to escape is in a critical condition in the Royal London Hospital, while another man managed to flee to safety unharmed before the Fire Brigade arrived.

Another pair, a man and a woman were rescued from the roof of the porch by fire fighters, and have now been discharged from Homerton Hospital after being treated for smoke inhalation.

All four who escaped are in their 20s.

However another unnamed man was found dead inside the building, and will remain there until the unsafe structre can be secured to allow an examination of the site.

The Brigade’s fire investigation team and officers from the Met Police are investigating.

Police said a 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson near the building at 2.30pm yesterday.

He remains in custody at a north London police station.

Detectives at Hackney are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information on the fire to call police on 101, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.