A FIRE that ripped through the Westmorland and Lonsdale Conservative offices is being treated as suspicious, police said.

The three-storey building on Highgate, Kendal, has suffered extensive damage following the blaze during the early hours yesterday morning (Friday).

A large crane arrived on scene this morning (Saturday) and workers have spent the day removing chimney stacks and parts of the roof to allow structural engineers to fully assess the Georgian building’s safety.

Once it has been deemed safe, which officers said will not be before Monday, fire and police investigators will examine the scene to establish the exact point and cause of the fire.

One man from a neighbouring flat who managed to raise the alarm shortly before 4.15am was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

The area around the premises is expected to remain cordoned off until at least Monday. Diversions are in place directing traffic from Kirkland up Gillinggate.

The incident, which also ripped through 14 rented artists studios belonging to Green Door Studios, has disrupted the daily activities of nearby businesses.

A team of detectives are trying to trace and eliminate any persons involved and urge anyone with information to contact Kendal CID on 0845 33 00 247, extension 8635.