Derelict building fire was 'started deliberately'

A fire which seriously damaged a derelict building in Ilkeston is believed to have been started deliberately.

Multiple crews from Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire tackled the blaze at the property in Heanor Road, shortly before 05:00 BST on Wednesday.

Fire officers said a joint investigation with Derbyshire Police had found the blaze "likely started when a naked flame came into contact with combustible materials".

They said the fire had caused "significant damage" to the roof and top floors of the building, but no-one was injured.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said six crews arrived at the scene on Wednesday to find the top floor of the building alight.

Firefighters were unable to enter as the structure was deemed unsafe, but used an aerial ladder platform to get the fire under control.

Once it was safe to do so, crews carried out a sweep of the building to check if anyone was inside before leaving the scene shortly after 15:00 BST.

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