Demolition begins at fire-damaged Hippodrome

Derby City Council ordered the demolition of the remains of the Hippodrome

Demolition work is under way at a former theatre in Derby that was badly damaged in a fire.

Derby City Council said it had used emergency planning powers to send contractors in to deal with the remains of the Hippodrome in Green Lane.

Firefighters were called to the building to deal with a blaze on Friday.

On Sunday, a spokesperson for the city council said the demolition had been ordered over concerns about the safety of the property.

The contractors are set to return to the site to continue the demolition during the week, the spokesperson added.

Ashley Waterhouse said people were shocked to wake up to the sounds of bulldozers on Sunday

The theatre dates back to 1914 but was last used as a bingo hall before it shut in 2007.

Ashley Waterhouse, of the city's civic society, described the building as "magnificent" and said he was devastated at its demolition.

"There was a bulldozer actually inside the Hippodrome," he said.

"All the beautiful facades, the round windows, the beautiful cornices, and the slates off the roof have fallen into the building.

"There are many, many shocked residents and members of the public.

"They are absolutely devastated and shocked to wake up this morning to the sounds of bulldozers.

"It's a great shame. It's a devastating day for anyone who has an interest in architectural history, theatre history, or even Derby's own history."

Flames and smoke were seen coming out of the roof of the building