Three fire engines were called to the former Jade Palace restaurant in Barrows Lane, Heysham Village, at 10pm last night.

Firefighters found the upper floor and roof well alight and used an aerial ladder platform to help tackle the flames.

They were still at the detached building this morning 'damping down' a hot spot.

Crew manager Gavin Helliwell, of Morecambe Fire Station, said they had been greeted by flames and an 'orange glow' coming through windows at the front of the building.

"The upper floor and roof are totally gone," he said.

"We have a fire investigation dog visiting the scene this morning and we believe the fire is of suspicious origin."

Mr Helliwell said there had been building work taking place at ground floor level but it is thought the restaurant has been closed for several years.

Police closed off Barrows Lane at its junction with Kintyre Way until 12.50pm and the building was then cordoned off for public safety.