FIFTY firefighters were needed to tackle a blaze at Derby's former Hippodrome Theatre today.

Nine crews were called out to the derelict building in Green Lane at 3.30am.

Police say 15 people living nearby had to be evacuated to a hotel.

The cause of the fire is being treated as suspicious and a joint police and fire service investigation has begun.

Steve McLernon, the fire service’s incident commander, said there were now fears that the fire has made the building unstable and that some parts may need to be demolished.

Fire and council officials will assess the building to see if this is the case after firefighters have made sure all areas are completely cool.

A number of roads, including Green Lane and Gower Street, were closed in the area forcing a parade by the 9th/12th Royal Lancers, returning from Afghanistan, to be diverted.

Following consultation between Derbyshire police and the Army the new route was St Mary’s Gate, Bold Lane, The Strand, Victoria Street, Cornmarket and ending in

the Market Place.

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In March this year firefighters were called out to the former theatre when a small fire broke out in the stairwell of the building. Read the story here.