A ST Albans curry house was the target of arson and theft yesterday morning.

An thief broke into the Abbey Spice restaurant in Stanhope Road through a window and stole cash and alcohol before setting alight some papers in a drawer.

Firefighters were called to the building just after 3am and spent around two hours tackling the blaze and clearing heavy smoke.

Residents above the curry house had to be evacuated but no-one needed medical attention.

A 26-year-old St Albans man has been arrested for arson with intent to danger life and is currently in custody.