A GRADE II listed building in Newport was severely damaged in a suspected arson attack.

The old Malpas Court Club, in Whittle Drive, which was originally built as a private house, had been derelict for a number of years.

But the blaze, on Tuesday, which took more than 30 firefighters over two hours to put out, could mean that the Newport council-owned property has to be demolished.

One resident, who did not want to be named, claimed the building was a danger to children because it had been left derelict for so long. He said: "It's been in ruins for years and nothing has been done about it. "It's just got worse and worse and it's a wonder no child has been injured in there."

Police officers have been called in to guard the derelict building because the roof and front of the property are now structurally unsafe because of the fire.

PC Eddie Evans, of Bettws police division, said: "It's been an attraction to local children for some time now, because it seems to be derelict and not in use.

"We have continuous calls to get children from there and our main concern is the children's safety."

A spokeswoman for the council said they had bought the property in a dilapidated state and that there were plans to restore it, subject to funding. She said officers from the council's estates department were there yesterday to assess the damage.

The spokeswoman said: "Hopefully remedial work can be done and we will carry on trying to fund the plans."

Three pumps from Malpas, Cwmbran and Maindee were used to put out the fire, as well as other specialist appliances, including a water bowser and a hydraulic platform.

The blaze was concentrated in the first floor and attic space of the building, and was tackled by firefighters from about 6.45pm until just after 9pm.