Several hurt after man allegedly sets fire inside NYC apartment

A man allegedly lit what turned into a massive fire inside an East Harlem apartment on Saturday evening — injuring several people — after cops showed up to enforce a restraining order, authorities said.

The NYPD got a call about a person violating an order of protection at the six-story building on East 135th Street and Fifth Avenue at around 5:30 p.m., a spokeswoman said.

When cops arrived, the man — who did not live there — locked the door of the second-floor unit and started a blaze, police said.

Officers were eventually able to get inside and take the alleged arsonist in.

He was sent to a hospital to be treated and charges against him were pending, the NYPD spokeswoman said.

Seven people, including two cops, were injured and taken to Harlem Hospital and Mount Sinai Morningside, the FDNY said.

Photos from the scene showed an officer carrying a baby in a diaper near the building.

“It was intense … smoked filled the building up,” said witness Eugene Powero, who saw a cat on a window ledge jump after catching fire.

“The cat jumped down,” said Powero, adding he believed an officer caught the puss.

Additional reporting by Peter Gerber

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