The fire which has devastated some 10 buildings in Arnhem’s city centre was brought under control by around 2 pm, but dozens of people have lost their homes, officials said on Thursday afternoon.

The fire broke out shortly before 4 am at the SoLow store on the city’s Jansstraat, close to the Korenmarkt. In total, 10 shops and 30 flats located above them have been affected.

Some 150 firefighters were involved in the battle to control the blaze, which spread easily between the buildings because of their wooden frames.

As yet, it is unclear if anyone was killed in the fire, but no one has been reported missing, officials told a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

An investigation has now been started into the cause of the blaze. According to the AD, the police have strong suspicions the fire was started deliberately.