A major investigation was tonight under way into a blaze which continued to burn in the heart of one of the world’s most historic cities, causing widespread destruction running into millions of pounds.

A blaze which ripped through the heart of one of the world’s most historic cities may not be fully extinguished for another two days, fire chiefs said today.

UK firefighters were today battling to contain a blaze which has devastated part of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town more than 12 hours since it first broke out.