The shell of a prominent Dundee shop that was gutted by fire on Sunday has been ruled unsafe and could be demolished.
Last night there were still pockets of fire more than 36 hours after the blaze tore through 17-23 Murraygate.
Fire investigation specialists based in Aberdeen were drafted in to find the cause of Sunday’s conflagration but were unable to enter the building because of fear of collapse.
A spokesman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that demolition contractors have been contacted.
Station manager Keith Dyer said: “The building is unsafe, partly because steelwork in the frame has been bent by the fire and partly because of loose masonry.
“Nobody will be able to enter the building until a full structural review has taken place.
“The council and the owners have taken on the commitment to fence and board what remains of the building and we can confirm that there will be no risk to the public.
“I think that the closure of the Murraygate again is extremely unlikely. The investigation has yet to begin in earnest.
“We have interviewed eyewitnesses and examined footage and photos but it will not begin fully until we can mitigate the danger to investigators and we can get into that building.
“Any future for the building is for the owners to decide, but it’s clear from the street that there is major structural damage.
Councillor Ken Lynn said: “I would hope they would minimise the impact of any demolition or safety work, and not close the Murraygate again, but the safety of the fire personnel is paramount.”