POLICE are investigating a fire at a privately owned building in Harlow which is being treated as arson.

Emergency services were called to the derelict Paradise Club building in the early hours of this morning to reports of a fire there.

A spokesperson said: “We believe it was started between 12.30am and 12.50am and that it was started deliberately.

The fire service has advised people living nearby to keep their windows closed due to the smoke.

The building has collapsed as a result of the fire but we do not believe anyone has been hurt.

We are investigating, and liaising with our partners at Harlow Council and the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

Officers and members from the council’s community safety team will be in the area throughout the day.

If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

Please quote the crime reference number 42/93343/25.

You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. 

Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our online reporting services.

“If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111”.