POLICE have made six arrests over the the blaze at the former Madison Hotel in Oxford Road last night.

And officers want to speak to anyone who saw youths running from the area as they investigate the cause of the dramatic fire.

Six people, all from Swindon aged between 13 and 16, have been arrested in connection with the fire and are currently in police custody.

Fire experts have already said that arson is the is suspected as the cause of the blaze at the former Madison Hotel in Oxford Road, smoke from which could be seen for miles around.

Det Sgt Scott Anger said today:  "We would like to speak to anyone who may have heard or seen anything suspicious around the area of the hotel before the start of the fire. 

"A group of youths were seen running from the scene soon after the fire had started.  

"We know members of the public were taking photos at the scene. If that was you and you have any pictures of anyone acting suspiciously please could you come forward to let us see these; this could be very helpful in our investigation." 

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the fire at the derelict Madison Hotel at 6pm.

Smoke and flames were visible from some distance in the early stages with substantial damage caused to much of the building, including the roof.

Nine fire crews - from Swindon (two), Stratton, Westlea, Chippenham, Malmesbury, Fairford, Cirencester and Faringdon – initially attended, supported by water carriers from Royal Wootton Bassett and Ramsbury.

Aerial appliances from Swindon and Gloucester and an incident command vehicle from Stratton were also at the scene.

Crews from elsewhere in Wiltshire went to the Swindon area to maintain fire cover while the incident was at its height.

Bystanders watched from the adjacent footbridge as black smoke rose from the disused building – emergency crews tried to shepherd people away to protect them from the smoke.

The South Western Ambulance Service was also called to the scene but no one was injured.

Shops in the area did what they could to help with staff from Stratton Sainsbury’s taking drinks and snacks out to fire crews.

The store had remained open throughout, but they had to close the petrol station as a precaution.

Overnight, relief crews were sent to the scene from Calne, Trowbridge, Chippenham, Devizes, Ludgershall, Corsham, Marlborough, Pewsey and Westbury.

A Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "While the fire is now mostly out, there are still some deep-rooted hot spots that firefighters are trying to access and extinguish.

"It is likely that a firefighting presence will remain on scene for much of the morning, and possibly longer.

"The fire is believed to have been started deliberately, and the Fire and Rescue Service is working with Wiltshire Police to determine the cause.

"As at 8.30am today, four crews – from Warminster, Melksham, Royal Wootton Bassett and Stratton – remain at the scene, supported by the Swindon aerial appliance and the incident command vehicle from Stratton."

The hotel closed in June 2014, leaving about 30 staff jobless. 

Last month there was a suspected arson attack in an outbuilding at the same site as well as a spate of other attacks in the area with fires started at the derelict Selena House Care Home in Oxford Road as well as the grounds of Swindon College. 

Anyone who can help with police enquiries should contact DS Scott Anger or any duty detective sergeant at Swindon CID on 101 or anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.