Police and fire officers are investigating whether a fire at a Douglas snooker hall was started deliberately.

Officers are also working to determine if there is any link to a burglary at the same club the previous night.

At about 12.30am, fire crews were called to Douglas Snooker Bar. On arrival they discovered a fire in a room to the rear of the property.

A police spokesman told The Courier: ’We can confirm that we are investigating a suspected arson that has occurred at the Douglas Snooker Club earlier this morning.

’We can also confirm that there is an on-going investigation into a suspected burglary at that same location that was reported to police yesterday.

’Any possible connections between the two will no doubt be considered and thoroughly looked into as part of both investigations. Both of these investigations are currently ongoing and we cannot make any further comment at this time.’

A post on the snooker bar’s Facebook page said it will reopen as soon as it can following the fire after it had to close for part of Wednesday following the burglary on Tuesday night.

Fire crews were in attendance at the fire for about 90 minutes.