Police are investigating a mystery early morning blaze on the historic Cutty Sark in Greenwich, London.
The fire on board the 19th century tea clipper started at around 05.00 and was put out by firefighters.
The vessel was undergoing a £25 million renovation and half of the 138-year-old Cutty Sark had been removed for restoration work.
Visit London chief executive James Bidwell said: “Maritime Greenwich is at the heart of London’s tourism offer and the Cutty Sark has been an important part of Greenwich history for many years.
“It’s an icon of our city and a major contributor to our cultural history, as well as a symbol of the river Thames as a visitor destination.
“The ship’s need for vital conservation has put it in the public eye recently and we can only hope that this terrible fire will redouble all our efforts to preserve this wonderful part of London’s heritage.”
by Phil Davies
