Arson investigation will be launched after fire

The fire service believed it was started by "deliberate ignition"

An arson investigation will be launched after a fire broke out at a Grade II listed building which was once used as a bar.

Crews were called to a blaze at the former Fat Cat venue, in Bridge Street, Northampton, at about 05:30 BST on Friday.

A Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "At this time, the fire is believed to be most likely as a result of deliberate ignition and an arson investigation will be launched by Northamptonshire Police."

The disused bar was forced to shut in 2012, after it was gutted by a fire, and in 2018, plans were submitted to the borough council to turn the empty building into a boutique hotel.

Residents and businesses were advised to keep their windows and doors shut due to a "large plume of smoke"

Aerial view of water being poured over a diused bar in Northampton on Friday after a fire

Initially, road users were warned to avoid the area while Angel Street, Derngate and Victoria Promenade were closed.

Bridge Street was reopened to pedestrians by Friday afternoon and commuters were also able to access all roads surrounding One Angel Square.

A 500m (1,649ft) cordon had been put in place while crews put the fire out.

Dan Peace, of Yellow Bourbon Coffee Roaster, said normally there were crowds of people walking past the shop.

He added: "But that was replaced with paramedics, firefighters and police officers this morning [Friday]."

Northamptonshire Police have been contacted for comment.

Sam Peace said the street was normally busy with commuters