Arson revealed as likely cause of major blaze at former Nottingham college

• Pictures from Ashley Kirk

Arson is the likely cause of a major fire at a former college building in Nottingham, according to police.

The blaze broke out at the old St John's College on Peache Way in Bramcote at about 7.30pm on Sunday.

Crews from 10 fire engines were sent to the scene, as well as two aerial ladder platforms and a water bowser.

Two crews remained at the scene overnight to extinguish the fire.

A joint investigation between Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has now begun.

Officers are now carrying out a number of local inquiries and studying CCTV as part of their investigation to discover exactly what happened. Due to part of the building collapsing during the fire, full searches of the site have been delayed.

Detective Sergeant Jo Eaton of Nottinghamshire Police said: "Our joint investigation is at an early stage but initial indications suggest this fire was started deliberately.

"Arson is an extremely serious offence that can lead to tragic consequences, so we will be working hard to find out who is responsible.

"Derelict sites such as the building targeted in this incident can be extremely dangerous, so it’s important that people stay away from these types of locations."

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager, Richard Cooper, said: "We dedicated a large number of resources to respond to this incident in Bramcote.

"We will always work with our partners to ensure the safest outcome for our communities and do not tolerate deliberate fire setting.

"I want to thank the public for following our safety advice by keeping doors and windows closed locally and avoiding the area if possible. Always call 999 in an emergency."

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