Batchwood Golf and Tennis Centre in St Albans has been almost destroyed by fire overnight.

No one is thought to have been hurt and the cause of the fire is not yet known, however it is not believed to be linked to current criminal disorder.

The council is helping the police and fire services with their investigation.

The fire is thought to have started well after the adjacent night club had closed for the evening.

Councillor Mike Wakely, portfolio holder for sports, leisure and heritage at St Albans City and District Council, said: “Thankfully it seems that no one has been hurt in last night’s Batchwood Sports Centre fire.

"Council officers have been on site since early this morning, supporting police and fire officers, assessing the damage and securing the site.

"It is a terrible shame to have lost a fine sports centre in this way.”

Batchwood Ward councillor Amanda Archer said: "This is terrible news for local people as this was a much loved local facility.

"The police and fire brigade are working together to establish what caused the fire.

"The Batchwood Golf and Tennis Centre has provided an excellent range of leisure services for the local community and will be missed whilst it is closed."