FAMILIES are living in fear after firebugs started a blaze on the 12th floor of a Paisley tower block.

Firefighters had to wear breathing masks because of the stench from dangerous choking smoke.

Anxious residents were told to stay in their flats and make sure all safety doors on the floor were closed.

The drama was sparked after a fire was started in a cupboard on the 12th floor of Arkleston Court, in the Gallowhill area.

Shortly before 7pm on Tuesday, there was a flood of phone calls from residents, who reported a strong smell of smoke.

Later, it was discovered that a black bag which had been dumped in a small cupboard which houses a bin chute had been set alight.

One elderly resident told the Paisley Daily Express: “If any of these fire doors had been left open, it could have been a real problem.

“The place was filling up with choking smoke and the firefighters had to put on their breathing masks.

“It’s frightening that some idiot thinks it’s a good idea to deliberately start a fire on the 12th floor of a high-rise block.

“There are a lot of people living here now who I’ve never even met. They are mostly youngsters and they look to me as if they’re on something.

“Some of them can hardly talk properly, never mind walk in a straight line.”

And a woman who lives in Arkleston Court with her young daughter added: “There have been times when I’ve been left lying awake at night because I’ve heard strange noises coming from the landing.

“This isn’t the first fire we’ve had here and I don’t mind admitting that living near the top of this block of flats can be a scary experience.

“It’s ridiculous that anyone would want to start a fire on the 12th floor. The person who did this was either acting out of badness or sheer stupidity.

“Someone could end up being seriously hurt or maybe even killed.”

Last night, experts from Strathclyde Fire & Rescue confirmed the blaze is being treated as deliberate. It’s thought there was more than one seat of fire.

A Renfrewshire Council spokeswoman said: “This was an extremely reckless and dangerous act which, thankfully, didn’t escalate into a more serious situation.

“We urge anyone with information about this incident to contact the police on 0141 532 5900.”