Three men have been arrested as part of an arson investigation into a fire at a former Workington nightclub.

Two men from Workington - one 28 and the other 20 - and a 21-year-old from Whitehaven, have been arrested. 

All three remain in custody for questioning.

Emergency services were called at about 11pm after residents reported seeing a large cloud of black smoke in the area of the Fusion Nightclub on Ladies' Walk in Workington. 

Fire and police have remained at the scene today as they assess the impact of the fire and work to protect the public. 

Residents in nearby buildings were evacuated for their own safety as the flames engulfed the run-down building. 

The fire is now under control, but at its height, there were fire personnel from Penrith, Workington, Maryport, Silloth, Whitehaven, Egremont, Coniston, Wigton, Cockermouth, Aspatria, Frizington and Carlisle East fire stations. 

One man had to be rescued from the property. It is not known if he was injured. 


 

A spokesman for Carlisle East fire station said: "Lots of hard work prevented the serious blaze from spreading to adjoining properties."

Firefighters at Carlisle West Fire station told the News & Star that both an aerial ladder platform and a fire engine from Carlisle East fire station, and a pump from Workington fire station remain at the scene. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 and ask to speak to an officer from the West Cumbria Crime and Safeguarding Team. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.