Police examine fire scene

Firefighters from across the city attended the scene

The police are examining the scene of a major fire in Belfast city centre.

The blaze, which broke out on Thursday, caused serious damage to a number of buildings in Royal Avenue .

Forensic scientists are examining the site to establish how the fire started.

It is understood that arson is one line of inquiry.

More than 100 firefighters took several hours to contain the blaze in a four-storey building on Royal Avenue.

The building, containing Waterstone's bookstore, Goldsmith's jewellers, and the Northern Ireland bureau of the Press Association, was severely damaged.

Conservation architects have examined the listed buildings affected by the fire, and are to submit a report.

But it is thought no major re-building work will be required.

Thousands of books, worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, were also destroyed in the fire.

Paula Fleming of Waterstone's said it was very upsetting for the 25 staff who work there.