Police treat major Bristol city centre fire as suspicious

Police are treating a major fire that destroyed the roof of a grade II listed building in Bristol as suspicious.

Around 50 firefighters were called to the blaze on Small Street, just after 1.30am on Sunday 15 March.

Residents living nearby had to be evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Several roads in the city centre were closed for almost 12 hours as police continued to investigate the fire inside the Guildhall.

In a statement, officers from Avon & Somerset Police confirmed the incident inside the iconic building is being treated as suspicious.

WATCH: Gus Lloyd, who lives in the city, posted this video on Twitter.

Small Street opened to pedestrians and cars around 12 hours later.

Detective Inspector Andrew Branch said: “It is believed that the building has been extensively damaged and will require a structural assessment. The road closures and scene are likely to remain in place for some time."

PICTURES SHOW EXTENT OF THE FIRE DAMAGE:

At its height the fire spread quickly, according to the fire service, and firefighters had to leave the building and fight it from the outside.

Bristol City Council assisted those who had to leave their homes in the early hours of the morning.

Nobody was injured in the fire.

Police are now asking to speak to anyone who saw anything of significance in the Small Street, Corn Street, Castle Park area between 11pm last night and 2.30am this morning.