Station closed all day on Friday and services affected across the city after blaze spread to concourse and roof

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

A huge fire that broke out in a block of toilets at Nottingham railway station is being treated as arson, British Transport police (BTP) said.

About 60 firefighters tackled the blaze, which started at 6.30am on Friday and spread to the main concourse and roof.

Firefighters are still at the scene dealing with the fire, which has been brought under control.

The BTP and Nottinghamshire fire and rescue service launched a joint investigation and urged anyone with information to get in touch.

Supt Sandra England, who is leading the BTP response, said: “Inquiries have been ongoing today and we now have reason to believe the fire may have been started deliberately. Officers are working to identify anyone who may have been involved in the incident, and we are appealing for information from members of the public.

“Fortunately, we have not had any reports of injuries as a result of the fire. Cordons remain in place around the area and trains are not running. It is likely the station will remain closed for the rest of the day.”

The station was evacuated shortly before the morning rush-hour.

The new transport minister, Jo Johnson, tweeted to say he was on his way to Nottingham to thank emergency services.

The blaze has caused widespread travel disruption across the city’s transport network. East Midlands Trains said: “It is anticipated that Nottingham station will not reopen today and we expect trains to be disrupted on all routes through Nottingham for the whole of Friday 12 January.”

NET Nottingham Tram said its trams were unable to stop at Nottingham station. The grade II-listed building was built in the mid-19th century and refurbished in recent years.

Asked about potential disruptions for football fans on Saturday, Kirsty Derry, deputy managing director of East Midlands Trains, said: “We have got people working through the clock to make sure we get a really good level of service tomorrow.

“People should check before they travel and maybe tonight it would be wise just to think about those alternative arrangements – but we are very optimistic about the level of service we can put on tomorrow.”