Beds Police are advising rush-hour motorists that a road through Luton is closed following a fire in the early hours of this morning (May 5.

Firefighters were called to The Islamic Centre in Bury Park Road just after midnight to a blaze at the rear of the building, which is being treated as arson.

Although no-one was hurt, the fire caused considerable damage to the property and police envisage the road will remain shut for some hours as forensic inquiries continue.

Officers, who believe the incident may be linked to a BMW 3-series found burnt out in Elmore Road, Luton, are keen to speak to anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously near the building or recalls seeing a car pulling away at speed.

Insp Martin Peters, investigating, said: "It appears an accelerant was used and our immediate priorities include establishing who started this fire and why and making motorists aware."

If you have any information, contact Beds Police, in confidence, on 01234 841212 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Bedfordshire Police

Crimestoppers