A derelict property in Pembroke has been extensively damaged in a fire in the early hours of this morning.

Police said the fire is being treated as “suspicious” and have not ruled out that it may be connected to a recent spate of fires in Pembroke and the central parishes.

Firefighters were called to the scene on St Augustine Lane shortly after 4am, and battled the blaze for more than an hour.

A spokesman said: “One appliance from Hamilton Station and one appliance from Port Royal responded with a total of eight firefighters.

“On arrival, fire crews reported seeing a two story structure with flames bellowing through the roof and windows.

“The officer in charge of the scene directed two firefighters donned in SCBAs (self contained breathing apparatus) to start fighting the fire through the open windows while an additional water source was located.”

The fire was so extensive that a second fire crew and a water tender were drafted in for support.

The fire was finally extinguished at around 5.25am.

The cause of the fire is now under investigation.

A Bermuda Police Service spokesman said the cause of the fire is considered to be suspicious as there was no electrical supply to the building.

The spokesman said: “There is nothing to indicate this is linked to the recent spate of fires in the Pembroke area, but that possibility has not been ruled out.“

Last week police confirmed that a special unit had been set up to investigate a series of fires in recent weeks.

The move was made following a fire at a home on Peat Lane in Pembroke.

There has also been a spate of car fires in recent months.

Detective Superintendent Nicholas Pedro said then: “These events are not currently known to be linked, but we are examining this possibility.

“The setting of fires around occupied structures places lives at risk, damages property, and is of serious concern to the Bermuda Police Service.”

The spokesman said anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area or who may have any information on this matter, is asked to call the main police number, 295-0011 or the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477.