Community leaders have warned someone will be killed if action to secure a derelict Aberdeen factory is not taken.
Police have launched an investigation after a huge blaze at the Broadford Works on the city’s Hutcheon Street, which took firefighters six hours to bring under control.
Yesterday, a 12-year-old schoolboy was quizzed in connection with Saturday’s incident but has since been released and inquiries are ongoing.
A spokeswoman confirmed there were no injuries and that a positive line of inquiry is now being followed.
More than 40 firefighters were called to the former textiles plant to tackle the fire, which sent plumes of thick black smoke across the sky.
Huge orange flames could also be seen escaping from the roof, which was completely burnt away.
Nearby residents were told to stay indoors and keep the windows closed while the crews worked.
The site – which has planning consent for more than 500 homes, commercial space, a restaurant, nursery and parking- is a favourite spot for fireraisers, and the latest incident is the third this month.
Last night, community leaders renewed their calls for the site to be made secure – and redeveloped – before someone is killed.
Local councillor Bill Cormie said: “This was some fire, constituents have been phoning me all day asking what is being done about it.
“The owner has planning permission to go ahead and do something with the site.
“This is very disturbing for the community – the sooner he does something the better, and even if he’s not going to do something with he need to secure the building.
“The whole area is a magnet for children and someone has to act before someone is hurt or even killed.”
Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart has already this month written to Aberdeen City Council, urging staff to take action to prevent further fires.
“This site is extremely worrying,” he said.
“It is now time for the council to use all power possible to deal with the problem.
“I fear someone will be injured or killed in the future.
“The owner should live up to his responsibilities and secure the site.
“Should he decide not to do anything with it he should gift it to the city because he is allowing our heritage to burn.
“I have written to Aberdeen City Council and the cabinet secretary urging them to act on this as soon as possible.”
But Aberdeen businessman Ian Suttie, whose firm First Construction is behind the proposals, insisted he was doing what he could to prevent further fires.
He said: “It’s very disappointing that people seem to access private property with malicious intent to cause fire on the premises.
“We are doing everything possible to prevent these fires occurring.
“We are liaising with the fire service to ensure the property is suitably protected.”
Ramsay Milne, convener of Aberdeen City Council’s planning development management committee insisted the authority was doing all it could to improve security at the former Richards’ factory.
He said: “Aberdeen City Council has done a lot of work over several years with the developer in an effort to improve safety and security at the Broadford Works site.
“We would welcome any support from the Scottish Government obtaining full funding to buy, restore and develop the site for affordable and mid-market accommodation and to meet the developer’s obligations in respect of the Grey Mill.”