Fire destroys flats being built

The fire destroyed a building that was under renovation

A fire which almost destroyed some partially built flats on a major route into Lincoln is being treated as arson, police have confirmed.

Highway officials said Newark Road northbound near the Cross O'Cliff Hill junction was closed to traffic for almost nine hours.

Fire crews went to St Catherine's just before 0200 GMT on Wednesday.

At its height eight fire engines were at the scene, but the fire was soon brought under control.

The timber-framed apartments, which did not yet have a roof, were virtually destroyed as a result of the fire, which police believe started at about 0145 GMT on Wednesday.