YOUNG vandals have been blamed for a fire which destroyed a community building in the centre of Christchurch on Monday (August 11).

Fire crews from Christchurch, Springbourne and Redhill were called to the Druitt Hall shortly before midday but they were unable to stop flames ripping through the Markham Room annexe at the rear of the building.

It is thought the blaze was started by children setting light to shrubbery in the adjoining Druitt Gardens off the High Street where the bustling Monday market was in full swing.

Police are treating the fire as suspicious and have appealed for information from witnesses.

The Markham Room and adjoining Druitt Hall were vacant at the time but staff were evacuated from the Age Concern office in the building and the town's main library next door.

Thick smoke billowing from the burning building and fears over the asbestos contained in the roofing material prompted police to cordon off the gardens while environmental and public health officials were called in to monitor the outfall. Bus services were suspended for more than two hours while the High Street was blocked by fire appliances.

The Druitt Hall, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in June, is owned by the Christchurch Housing Society.

Although the main hall was saved the Markham Room was reduced to a smouldering shell.