Blaze at food and flea market off the Royal Mile By Angie Brown

BBC Scotland, Edinburgh and East reporter Published duration 28 November 2017

image copyright Hal Prescott

An investigation has begun after a market in Edinburgh suffered a "devastating" fire.

The blaze started at about 01:30 at The Food and Flea market in Sibbald Walk off the Royal Mile.

The fire, which has destroyed several of the stalls, comes just days before traders were due to start their winter market.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was extinguished by 03:30.

image copyright Hal Prescott

Hal Prescott, The Food and Flea market owner said he believed the fire had been started deliberately

He said: "We're all completely gutted and devastated about this attack on our businesses.

"The Food and Flea is home to six independent businesses in this developing part of town and our extended Christmas market is due to start on Friday.

"At approximately 01:00 this morning the Food and Flea Market was broken into and set alight by what appears to be an arsonist.

"Nobody was hurt and an image of the suspect was captured on CCTV."

He added: "The Food and Flea will be re-opening for the Christmas period with the help of traders across the city."

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said an investigation was under way at the site.