Two boys have been arrested after a huge fire ripped through a building in Nottingham city centre.

Emergency services were called to the Escobar Building on Market Street shortly after 10pm last night.

A total of 12 fire engines with at least 48 firefighters attended the scene as crews cordoned off the area and unrolled water hoses to fight the inferno.

Two boys aged 12 and 14 have now been arrested on suspicion of arson. Both remain in police custody.

City commander Supt Chris Pearson said police were in the ‘early stages of an investigation’.

He added: ‘This incident caused large-scale disruption to Nottingham city centre last night, but luckily no-one was seriously injured. This is testament to the combined work of all emergency services coming together to protect the public from harm.

‘While we are in the early stages of the investigation to determine how the fire was caused, we have arrested two boys on suspicion of arson and criminal damage.

‘These arrests were made very quickly after we were called to the incident.’

Striking images show a bright orange glow engulf a residential property as thick grey smoke billows into the sky

Twelve fire engines attended as crews unravelled water hoses and cordoned off the area

Nottingham Fire and Rescue Service said this morning: ‘Crews have been working hard overnight, and a reduced presence remains on scene this morning’

Striking images show a bright orange glow surrounding a residential property as thick grey smoke rises into the air.

Heavy traffic disruption is expected this morning, with buses being diverted and the tram service has been partly shut.

The surrounding areas including Upper Parliament Street, Lower Parliament Street, King Street and Queen Street remain closed.

Nottingham Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘Crews have been working hard overnight, and a reduced presence remains on scene this morning.

‘The NET Nottingham Tram remains closed in both directions between Theatre Royal and Market Square.

‘Roads in the area have been opened to one lane only, and we expect heavy traffic disruption this morning; please use alternative routes where possible.

‘There have been no reports of any injuries at this stage, and a fire investigation is scheduled to take place later today.’

Residents were advised to keep windows and doors shut.

Nottingham Express Transit, which operates the tram network, said it had turned off the over power lines in the area following the blaze. 

A fire incident commander at the scene told the BBC three or four businesses were evacuated along with about a dozen residents.