AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a suspected arson attack on a historic building in Wellington

The suspected arson attack hit the derelict building at 7.49pm on Saturday night (August 5), on the grounds of Tonedale Mill, Wellington. 

Engines from Wellington, Taunton, Wiveliscombe and Bridgwater attended the scene to tackle the fire that had engulfed the roof of the building.

Avon and Somerset Police is now investigating the fire that was believed to have been started deliberately. 

A spokesman said: "We were called at around 8.15pm on Saturday August 5 to Tonedale Mills in Somerset to reports of a fire.

"We can confirm that the fire is being treated as deliberate and an investigation is underway."

At 9.15pm part of the building collapsed, preventing the crews from checking the building to see if anyone was inside.

A building control officer was requested to attend due to the building becoming unstable. 

At 10pm the fire was mostly extinguished. Crews were damping down hotspots and checking the building with a thermal imaging camera. 

At 9.30am this morning the scene was cleared and the cause of the fire was ascertained as being deliberate. 

Somerset County Gazette:

A spokesman from Taunton Deane Borough Council said: 

"The mill complex is an important part of our national and local industrial heritage.

"The fire is naturally of concern and the council would like to thank the fire service for its actions in containing the blaze.

"We cannot comment further at this stage.