Fire destroys Christchurch shop

A fire destroyed a shop in Christchurch in the early hours of this morning.

Detective Senior Sergeant David Harvey said the owner arrived at the scene on Colombo St and found clothing and luggage on fire.

He said an alarm was activated but police are not able to enter the building until it is cleared by fire fighters.

Mr Harvey said the building had extensive damage.

"We're awaiting safety reports from Fire, before the scene examination can be conducted. We're in the process of talking to the owner and other persons of interest," he said.

Christchurch's deputy chief fire officer David Berry said a structural engineer was needed to secure the building for fire safety officers and police to investigate the cause.

He said no one was injured in the fire but the structure was unsound.

- NZHERALD STAFF