Police have launched an investigation after a fire destroyed two blocks of flats under construction in the Oxgangs area of Edinburgh.

The fire which started at the building site in Firrhill Drive at 2am on Friday raged for approximately 14 hours causing millions of pounds worth of damage.

The fire is now being treated as suspicious. A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: "Not only has this fire caused millions of pounds worth of damage, it has also caused distress to a number of families who were looking forward to moving into these homes in the future.

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"We are appealing to the public for help in establishing what caused this fire, and in particular we are keen to speak to any witnesses who noticed any suspicious activity in the area either before or after the fire broke out.

"It may be that someone noticed someone running from the scene, or acting suspiciously in the aftermath of the fire.

"Any information would be gratefully received, and may lead us to a positive line of enquiry which would eventually provide some comfort to the families affected by this dangerous and thoughtless act."

(GK/JM)