An Edinburgh charity building has been destroyed in a fire that police are describing as suspicious.

Police believe the blaze on Monday evening at the premises of the Wester Hailes Youth Agency was started deliberately and an investigation has been launched.

Emergency crews were called to the property on Dumbryden Road shortly before 6pm on Monday. However, they found the timber frame building to already be well alight.

Firefighters spent around four and a half hours tackling the blaze, but the building was completely destroyed. The cost of the damage is estimated at around £30,000.

Police have now appealed for anyone with information about the fire to come forward.

A police spokesman said: "Those responsible for this mindless act of destruction not only put the safety of the public at risk, they have also destroyed a valuable community asset and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

"Anyone who saw any suspicious activity in or around the building or in the Dumbryden Road area is asked to contact police immediately.

"Similarly, anyone who can assist us in identifying the suspects responsible for this fire are also asked to get in touch."

The Wester Hailes Youth Agency is a charity which works with young people aged between eight and 25.

It aims to help the youngsters overcome poverty and disadvantage and to encourage community participation and citizenship.

In the past year, it has provided drop-in facilities, drug education, support and training to more than 1800 young people from the Wester Hailes, Broomhouse, Sighthill, Parkhead, Baberton, Juniper Green and Longstone areas of the capital.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.