A BLAZE at a former motoring magazine's offices is being investigated by police as arson.

Crews were called to Auto Trader House in Danehill, Lower Earley at around 7pm on Tuesday after being alerted by a member of the public.

Police are keen to speak to two boys who were spotted in the area at the time of the fire and an investigation is underway.

The magazine was founded by Sir John Madejski in 1977 but the building has been derelict for more than 12 months.

Firefighter Palmer from Whitley Wood station said: "We are unsure what caused the fire, but it would seem to be arson.

"It is not a problem building at the moment, but fires at derelict buildings do happen, so it could have the potential to become a problem in the future.

"Three appliances were called and we were there for more than two hours."

Plans were submitted in August 2016 to build more than 100 new homes on the site.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police added: "We were called to a fire in Danehill at 7.23pm last night (January 9).

"The fire was in a derelict building and the fire service also attended the scene to extinguish the blaze.

"Nobody was hurt in the fire. The force is treating the fire as arson and an investigation is underway.

"We are keen to speak to two boys who were seen near the building as they may have information about the incident.

"Anyone with any information is urged to contact police by calling 101 and quoting reference 43180008852."