A suspected arson attack that left four tenants hospitalised has badly damaged apartment blocks owned by a multi-millionaire lotto winner.

Former jailbird Kursat Yildirim, known as Chico to his followers, had only last week revealed buying a property with some of the EUR 10 million (GBP 8.7 million) he won on the German lottery last year.

But now he has had to reveal the news that two apartment blocks were damaged in the blaze, with more than 20 residents evacuated, when the fires broke out in the attics and the basements of the flats in Dortmund, in North Rhine-Westphalia State.

Police believe the fires, which struck at 4.20am on 24th November, were deliberately started.

It is not known whether the blazes were started by someone with a grudge against Chico or if they are linked to a series of home fires in the district.

Firefighters told local media that both buildings’ roofs had been gutted by the blaze.

Chico, 43, told local media: “It is impossible to determine the overall damage. The police have closed the buildings to investigate.

“The apartments may have not been harmed. But the attics and the cellars have been badly damaged.”

Meanwhile, Dortmund police spokesperson Nina Kupferschmidt said in a statement on 24th November obtained by Newsflash: “Our investigators consider the fire as a potential case of arson.”

She added: “Four people had to be hospitalised due to possible smoke intoxication.”

Dortmund Fire Department spokesman Matthias Kleinhans explained: “Twenty-three residents were able to leave the buildings in time. Some of them needed our support.”

Around 70 firefighters had to be deployed to put out the blaze, he added.

Chico recently told how he had invested EUR 6.7 million (GBP 5.8 million) of his lotto jackpot win in property.

The outspoken social media star, who has more than 1.17 million followers, added in a video that quickly went viral: “Guys, you have probably never seen such a multimillionaire. I still live with my parents.”

Chico added: “I’m very happy. Don’t know. You must not forget where you are coming from.”

Chico came to Germany from Turkey at age 12 and grew up in the tough working-class district where the buildings are located.

He said: “I know everyone in this neighbourhood. When I heard what happened, I immediately asked all of my pals whether they had any video surveillance footage.”

He added: “Seeing this was a shock. Thankfully no one got seriously harmed.“

Chico has become a media sensation over his frank honesty about his money.

The former crane operator has splashed out on a fleet of supercars, luxury watches and designer clothes.

And since he took up with glamorous police chief Candice Newgas, 36, he has lavished her with expensive presents.

But he also launched charity initiatives for kids suffering from cancer, local food banks, financially struggling pet owners and victims of the Turkey-Syria earthquake.

Chico’s turbulent life is now also the focus of a new primetime real-life documentary by private broadcaster VOX.

His cheerful optimism has won him legions of fans on social media.

One user ‘StefanHobeck8100’ said: “I love this guy. Only the best for him.”

Referring to Chico’s confession that he is still playing the lottery, ‘Droogie1282’ said: “I really hope you hit the jackpot a second time!”

And ‘Deno Bellic’ defended Chico’s antics by saying: “Germany is the unhappiest country in the world. Check the comment section for confirmation.”