A male youth is currently in custody assisting police with enquiries in relation to a structure fire at 68-70 St. John Street, Launceston.

Police were called to the premises at 5.00 am which is currently an unoccupied business. Tasmania Fire Service extinguished the fire a short time later. A number of occupants who live in an apartment complex above the business site were evacuated and do not have any injuries.

There was no damage to surrounding businesses.

The matter is still under investigation and enquiries in relation to the fire are still ongoing.

Police urge anyone who has any information in relation to this fire or who saw a group youths present in the Launceston CBD around this time to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or they can report the information anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.  Police report 675439.