AN ARSON probe is under way after a fierce fire destroyed a large warehouse in Newport last night.

Police say youths were spotted acting suspiciously at the scene of the blaze in the disused Robert Price Merchant Builders warehouse on Rodney Road, Maindee, just before it broke out.

Four fire crews from Malpas, Maindee, Duffryn and Cwmbran battled to control the 40ft flames after receiving the emergency call just before 8.30pm. It was eventually put out just after 10pm.

The fire is believed to have been started deliberately in a room on the first floor.

Within 40 minutes, it had spread to the building's slate roof engulfing it in towering flames that flickered perilously close to firefighters on a hydraulic platform.

Clouds of dense smoke and ash billowed from the roof of the building.

Maindee station officer Nick Jones, who was the incident commander, said: "At the moment we are looking for the cause to be investigated.

"We liaised with police to inform residents to keep their windows and doors shut because smoke in their property may have made them a little bit uncomfortable, but they were not in any danger."

During the first hour of the fire, police officers blocked off the entrance to Grafton Road from Corporation Road to any motorist who wasn't returning home.

Workers were clearing up the site this morning and the road had re-opened.

Joanne Williams, of Colne Street, said: "When I was driving home I thought somebody had set fire to the river bank because of all the smoke. I didn't expect it to be on my doorstep.

"It doesn't surprise me that it's being burned down around here because it has all become derelict - I suppose that it was something that was waiting to happen. I just can't believe how quick it had gone up."

A spokeswoman for Robert Price said: "We have no idea of the cost of damage at this time."

PC Karana Butler, of Maindee police station, said: "The fire service believe it was started deliberately on the first floor. Youths were seen in the area but we haven't got any descriptions for them.

"Anyone with information is urged to contact the station on 01633 246999."

* In the picture: Jacob Gale, 10, makes his way through the smoke in Grafton Road as the fire rages.