POLICE and fire service investigators are to launch a joint probe after a firefighter was seriously injured in a suspicious blaze.
The watch manager based in Greenock was injured when a wall collapsed on him while he was tackling a major fire at a former social club in the town during Thursday night.
He was part of a 24-strong team fighting the fire in the disused building.
Read more: Firefighter seriously injured after wall collapses during Greenock blaze
Seven fire crews including two high-reach vehicles were called to the old Larkfield Masonic Association premises in Auchmead Road just after midnight.
Flames were still visible coming from the building four hours after the fire started.
It was reported an application to turn the empty hall into a restaurant was refused last month.
The firefighter was injured when an external wall collapsed on him, and he was described as being in a serious condition at Inverclyde Royal Hospital.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said firefighters were called shortly after midnight.
Read more: Firefighter seriously injured after wall collapses during Greenock blaze
He said: "The fire had broken through the roof of the property and 24 firefighters were engaged in fighting the fire.
"During this operation, one of our firefighters was injured following the collapse of an external wall. He was taken to Inverclyde Royal Hospital where he remains in a serious condition.
"The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is offering full support to the firefighter, his family and his colleagues at this very difficult time.
"We are conducting a detailed internal investigation.
Read more: Firefighter seriously injured after wall collapses during Greenock blaze
"The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is also working with Police Scotland to determine the cause of the fire, which is currently being treated as suspicious."
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