Three people have been arrested after a large fire at a former cattle market was thought to have been started by fireworks.

The blaze at Nottingham Cattle Market in Meadow Lane caused significant damage to around six businesses at 5.40pm on Sunday, Nottinghamshire Police said.

Around 100 firefighters tackled the fire, which was eventually put out on Monday morning.

Cattle Market
Around 100 firefighters tackled the blaze at Nottingham Cattle Market on Sunday (Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service/PA)

Two men, aged 18 and 25, and 25-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of arson on Tuesday afternoon.

The force said all three remain in custody and inquiries are ongoing, but suggested early indications were that the fire was started by fireworks.

After the blaze was brought under control, Incident Commander Simon Glew of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “This was a significant fire, and our crews worked through the night to bring the incident under control, and our praise goes to them for their hard work in keeping the public safe.

Cattle Market
Six businesses were seriously damaged during the Nottingham Cattle Market fire (Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service/PA)

“The fire involved a number of buildings and an investigation is now taking place to determine the cause of the fire.

“We were assisted by our colleagues in Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, and throughout yesterday evening and today, we continued to work with our partner agencies including Nottinghamshire Police, Nottingham City Council and East Midlands Ambulance Service.”

Mr Glew added: “The incident has had a safe resolution, and we would like to thank the public and commuters in the area for their patience whilst we have dealt with this.”