University of Nottingham labs destroyed in fire

Investigations into a blaze that has destroyed a multi-million pound university chemistry building are set to begin.

Up to 60 firefighters were involved in tackling the fire at the University of Nottingham, after they were called about 20:30 BST on Friday.

No-one was injured and no other buildings were affected as crews fought the blaze in Triumph Road, Radford.

Specialist fire teams will work with police to establish the cause.

The timber-framed building was under construction and was due to be completed by next year.

It had been partly funded by a £12m grant from drug company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK),

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue group manager Joanne Wooler-Ward said: "No other buildings have been affected, fortunately no people were involved in this fire and we've had 12 crews here - that's over 60 firefighters.

"When we arrived, the fire was a significant size - it could be seen from quite a distance - and there was a smoke plume spreading towards the campus area so we sent out a message for people to keep doors and windows closed.

"The firefighters have worked hard to contain that fire and stop it from spreading to any other buildings."

Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control at about 01:00 BST but crews remained overnight to fully extinguish it.

A fire and rescue service spokesman said: "The building was under construction, it was not in use and was about 70% complete. We have around 60 firefighters on the ground and using aerial platforms.

"We are likely to be here for some time into the morning.

"Work to establish the cause of the blaze can only begin fully once the fire is entirely out."

Dr Paul Greatrix, registrar at the University of Nottingham, said its open day for prospective students would go ahead later as planned.