Toronto police have arrested a man after two fires were set at a downtown convenience store early Friday morning.

According to police, a man set one fire at the front and one at the rear of the store located on the north side of Queen Street West at John Street at around 3:30 a.m.

People in the area attempted to help extinguish the fire but were unsuccessful. Residential units above the store had to be evacuated.

The fires caused extensive damage to the building, police said.

Friday morning, shortly after 8 a.m., a suspect was arrested in connection with the case.

Nasser Obsieh, 36, of Toronto, is charged with arson with disregard for human life, mischief endangering life, mischief over $5,000 and failure to comply with probation.

He is scheduled to appear in court Saturday morning.