Fire hits historic Texas mansion

The historic Governor's Mansion in Austin, in the US state of Texas, has been severely damaged in a fire.

Arson is suspected in the blaze that officials said "bordered on the catastrophic" at the Greek-style revival building that dates from 1856.

No-one was in the mansion at the time as it was undergoing restoration.

Security cameras are set up around the mansion, which sits in the city centre. Officials say they are confident they will find the culprits.

The Friends of the Governor's Mansion group says the building is the oldest, continually used executive residence west of the Mississippi River.

Texas Governor Rick Perry and his wife Anita moved out last year to allow for the $10m (£5m) restoration.

Fortunately, furniture and historical items were removed at the time.

In a statement, Mr Perry said: "It has not only been our home for the past eight years, but has stood as a symbol of Texas pride throughout its history."

"We're going to come get the person that's responsible for causing this damage"
Texas state Fire Marshal Paul Maldonado

There appeared to be severe damage to the frontal columns and some internal decorations were reported to be beyond repair.

The house's roof buckled because of the flames and the massive amount of water used to put out the fire.

The mansion was home to President George W Bush during his time as Texas governor between 1995-2000.

The state's fire marshal said surveillance cameras and witnesses would help catch the arsonists.

"We're going to come get the person that's responsible for causing this damage," said Fire Marshal Paul Maldonado.