A man has been arrested after a fire broke out in Liverpool city centre this morning.
Police confirmed they have taken a 22-year-old into custody on suspicion of arson.
Emergency services were called to the former Smokie Mo's bar, in the Ofiveone building on Brownlow Hill, to reports of a fire at around 1.40am.
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When Merseyside Fire and Rescue service arrived on the scene they found part of the the disused four storey building on fire.
Crews from 12 fire engines tackled the blaze for a number of hours and remain at the scene this morning.
Merseyside police are also at the scene of the fire and have closed a number of rounds surrounding it.
Brownlow Hill in both directions is closed between A5038 Renshaw Street and Clarence Street.
A section of Mount Pleasant is also closed and drivers are being urged to avoid Renshaw Street and Hawke Street.
A Merseyside police spokesperson said: "We have arrested a man following a suspected arson in Liverpool City Centre in the early hours of this morning, Monday 4 October.
"At around 1.40am, officers on patrol became aware of smoke coming from a building on Brownlow Hill, formerly the bar Smokie Mo's.
"Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) remain in attendance. A man was detained nearby.
"Road closures remain in place. Please avoid the area where possible.
"A 22-year-old man of no fixed abode was detained on suspicion of arson and has been taken into custody for questioning.
"Anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone acting suspiciously in the area is asked to contact us via @MerPolCC or anonymously on 0800 555 111, with reference 21000687770."
