Neighbours of Newcastle’s CBD Hotel have blamed squatters for a large blaze which ripped through the premises last night.
The fire broke out inside the abandoned Hunter Street venue, just after 5:30 yesterday evening.
Six fire trucks and dozens of firefighters battled the blaze for several hours.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries.
More than 100 residents from neighbouring buildings were evacuated into nearby Civic Park.
NBN News understands squatters have been living in the empty hotel for weeks, some sources say they heard an argument about an hour before the blaze erupted.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District are now investigating the cause of the blaze.
Hunter Street remains closed between Auckland Street and Worth Place.
Reporter Sam Burbury will have more details in tonights bulletin.
