Police are treating a fire at a block of flats in Edinburgh as deliberate after abandoned furniture was set alight in a common close.

Fire crews were dispatched to Murrayburn Green in Sighthill at about 9pm on Sunday, with eight homes evacuated.

Three women and a man received treatment for smoke inhalation. Two of the women were taken to hospital to check for the effects of asbestos. The tests proved negative.

It came five minutes after another house fire on Somerset Place in Lochend, where a TV burst into flames. One of the occupants had to be treated for smoke inhalation at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Police confirmed on Monday that the Sighthill fire was being treated as deliberate.

Inspector David Ferguson of Corstorphine Police Station said: "Thankfully no one was seriously injured in this incident but it could have been much worse.

"I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the area around 9pm last night and who might have information that can assist us with our inquiries.

"I’d also like to remind residents not to leave items of furniture or rubbish in communal areas where they can be a target for fire-raising."

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.