POLICE investigating a fire that badly damaged a nightclub early this morning have ruled out arson after initially saying it may be suspicious.

Thirty firefighters, using six appliances and an aerial ladder platform, tackled the blaze, at Decades, a first-floor premises in a terraced building in Front Street, Consett, County Durham.

Several calls alerted the brigade to the blaze, which appeared to have started in the building's loft space, shortly after 5.15am.

Two crews from Consett station initially attended, but the aerial ladder platform, from Durham, and further back-up crews plus a support vehicle, were also called to assist.

The fire severely damaged the nightclub and roof space, while adjoining premises and businesses below suffered some water damage as the blaze was fought, although police said those properties appeared to have escaped any damage from the flames or smoke.

A police spokesman said the fire started in the roof cavity or a building at the back of the nightclub.

There were fears, at one stage, that the fire might spread to the Empire Theatre, next door.

Station manager Paul Matthews, of the Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: "There is flat roof area at the back of the building and we were concerned the fire could spread to the theatre, but we were able to stop this from happening.

"The first floor has been severely damaged by fire and, as far as I am aware, there was nobody in the building when it started."

Speaking shortly after 9.30am, he said crews would remain to dampen remaining hotspots, and a check would be made later this morning for any lingering smoke or gases, before police and fire investigators were allowed into the building to carry out an examination to try to identify the cause.

Roads in the vicinity, which were closed as the fire was tackled, were being reopened as the morning went on, although the immediate vicinity in Front Street is expected to remain closed for several hours.

Diversions were put in place and pedestrian access to nearby shops was maintained.

Decades is owned by businessman Sudkev "Sonny" Gill, who also runs the controversial nearby Red Velvet lap dancing club.

Red Velvet opened recently, despite much local opposition, but not from the police.

The force is objecting, however, to a bid by Mr Gill to extend the opening time at Decades from 2.30am to 6am.

Derwentside District Council's licensing committee was to hear the application this week, but Mr Gill temporarily withdrew it, to enable him to submit extra evidence to meet concerns over taxi availability.