ARSONISTS have destroyed part of York's historic crown court, throwing the criminal justice service into chaos.

Firefighters fought for more than two hours to save the Grade I listed building at the Eye of York, after the entrance hall and reception area were deliberately set ablaze early today.

The building's internal alarm system was triggered at 2.40am, followed by a 999 call from a member of the public moments later.

Crews from the nearby York Fire Station, in Clifford Street, and from Acomb, were worked until 5am to put out the fire, using breathing apparatus, thermal imaging equipment and a positive pressure ventilation van.

A North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service spokeswoman said the crown court was now "unusable", with 75 per cent fire damage in the entrance hall and reception. Ten other rooms on the ground floor suffered 25 per cent smoke damage, and a further ten on the first floor suffered 20 per cent smoke damage.

Scenes of crime investigators were due to begin examining the building today, and while the cause could not be confirmed at the time of going to press, the fire was being treated by police as "suspicious", while the fire service spokeswoman confirmed it was "deliberate".

It is not known how long the court could be closed for, and the Court Service was unable to confirm if any contingency plans were in place at the time of going to press. It had been expected to reopen tomorrow following the New Year bank holiday.

A court has stood on the site of the former York Castle for centuries, and the most celebrated trial was that of notorious highwayman Dick Turpin, who was hanged at Knavesmire, in 1739.

The present building, designed by Georgian architect John Carr, was opened in 1777, and extended on a number of occasions during the 19th century.

Any witnesses are asked to phone York Police on 0845 6060 247.

Updated: 09:29 Monday, January 03, 2005