TWO suspects have been released under investigation follow a huge fire in the city centre that gutted a 140-year-old Grade II listed church.

The fire, which started in the abandoned Zanzibar nightclub, Stow Hill, Newport, on Friday, June 15, quickly spread to the rafters of the Bethel Community Church next door.

In a massive response from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, 83 fire-fighters, 10 fire engines, five water bowsers, two aerial ladders and hydraulic platforms, an incident command unit and three supporting appliances fought to control the blaze.

No injuries have been reported as a result of the fire.

Yesterday, the congregation of Bethel Community Church held a Sunday service outside the smoking remains of their church.

A 43 year old man and a 36 year old woman from Newport were arrested by Gwent Police on Saturday, June 16, but today a spokesman confirmed both have been released under investigation.

Stow Hill and North Street were blacked off by a cordon to keep people away from the scene, and a cordon around the buildings remains in place.

A spokesman for Gwent Police said the cordon is expected to remain in place all week.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may be able to help identify people who were inside the former nightclub building at around 6pm on Friday.

Anyone who can help is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 4447 15/06/18, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800111555