Police have arrested a 51-year-old man they suspect started a fire in Wan Chai's Revenue Tower this morning.

He allegedly poured flammable liquid on two counters inside the Inland Revenue Department Business Registration Office on the fourth floor and set it alight about 9.40am. He burned himself in the arson attempt and fled. The fire was dowsed by the automatic sprinkler system. Six-hundred people were evacuated and no casualties were reported.

He was arrested for arson while seeking medical treatment in Tuen Mun Hospital this afternoon. He has been detained for questioning.

The department said its Estate Duty Office, Stamp Office, Collection Office, Inspection Office, Central Enquiry Counters and telephone enquiry services will resume normal tomorrow morning. The Business Registration Office will remain closed until further notice.