Fire At Firearms Training Centre

29 August 2013, 11:42 | Updated: 29 August 2013, 12:23

Fire crews are still at the scene of a fire at a police firearms training centre being built in Portishead.

Photo: Courtesy via Twitter @JoPerkins85

Parts of the building were still burning more than 48 hours after a fire started at the centre which is under construction at Black Rock quarry in Portishead.

The fire was first spotted by a passing police officer early on Tuesday (27th Aug). Later that day, after visiting the scene, The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police Nick Gargan tweeted that it was 'heartbreaking'. The Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens called the scenes 'devastating'.

On Wednesday a post on a website - claiming to be from an anarchist group - said it was responsible for the fire. However it hasn't even been established if the fire was started deliberately. Avon Fire and Rescue say the investigation into the cause will not start until the fire is fully extinguished and it is safe to enter the building.

The £16 million pound centre is being built near Avon and Somerset Police headquarters but will also be used by officers from Gloucestershire and Wiltshire forces. The facility - which will have 2 indoor firing ranges - was due to open early in 2014.