A massive blaze at Hatfield’s Royal British Legion building this morning is being investigated by police as arson.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Firefighters tackle the blaze at Hatfield's Royal British Legion building. Picture: Hatfield fire stationFirefighters tackle the blaze at Hatfield's Royal British Legion building. Picture: Hatfield fire station (Image: Archant)

Firefighters and police rushed to the derelict building in The Downs, off Bishops Rise, at about 9am.

Officers put a scene guard in place while firefighters from four crews tackled the blaze, which sent a massive pillar of black smoke billowing into the air.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The scene after the blaze at Hatfield's Royal British Legion building. Picture: Hatfield fire stationThe scene after the blaze at Hatfield's Royal British Legion building. Picture: Hatfield fire station (Image: Archant)

Police told this paper at 3.30pm that officers were treating the blaze as arson, with an investigation now launched.

The site is close to other buildings including a petrol station.

Fire service area commander Jonathan Smith tweeted: “Great effort by attending crews to keep the fire contained and prevent nearby properties being damaged.”

Hatfield Fire Station tweeted at 3.57pm to say they were “finally back” from the blaze, adding: “Early intervention protected neighbouring properties and a petrol station. Good work by all agencies, thanks for the supporting crews.”

Anyone who witnessed what happened or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area before the fire should call police on 101, quoting ISR 243 of September 15.