A huge blaze which ripped through an iconic building in Dundee city centre has been described by police as “a reckless and dangerous act of fire-raising”.
Officers are appealing for information after a fire engulfed the former Robertson’s furniture store on Barrack Street.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service rushed nine appliances to the incident at around 6pm on Saturday night.
Emergency services are still at the scene and police warn a number of neighbouring streets will remain closed for some time.
Officers, who believe the fire was started deliberately, say they are following “a number of lines of inquiry” to identify the culprits.
There have been no reported casualties.
Fire-raising has caused ‘significant damage and disruption’
Detective Sergeant Stuart Martin, from Dundee CID, said: “This was a reckless and dangerous act of fire-raising, which has caused significant damage and disruption to the area.
“We have spoken with a number of witnesses and would appeal for anyone with information on the incident to come forward and assist our inquiries.”
Roads in the area, including North Lindsay Street, South Ward Road and Bank Street, remain closed.
The listed building is located just metres from the Overgate shopping centre, which has opened the former Debenhams car park for customers to use free of charge until its Bank Street car park re-opens.
Video footage and pictures taken on Sunday morning revealed the charred aftermath of the blaze.
The building, known as Willison House, has lain empty since Robertson’s furniture shop closed in 2011.
It was built in the 1930s and is considered of historical importance due to its art-deco façade.
Various proposals to re-purpose it have been mooted over the years, but none have been successful.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Operations Control mobilised nine appliances and specialist resources to the scene where firefighters worked throughout the night to extinguish the fire.
“There were no reported casualties.
“One appliance remains on the scene whilst crews work to make the area safe.”
Appeal for public’s help
Police are urging anyone with information is urged to call 101, quoting incident 2800 of November 12.
Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.
