The former Robertson’s furniture store has been handed over to the city council by Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, who believe that the blaze was started on purpose.

The building comprises a four-storey art deco style B-listed building constructed c.1935, prior to which it was the Willison United Free Church.

Assessed the building following the fire, the City Engineer and Building Standards officers have found that the roof and floor construction has been entirely consumed and the internal steel frame has buckled due to the heat of the fire.

The external masonry façade suffered major distortion and cracking which has worsened since the fire, leaving the building in an unsafe condition.

In the interests of public safety, the only viable action that can be taken is demolition which will start as soon as can be arranged.

A Dundee City Council spokesperson explained: “Only the exterior walls of the building have been left following the fire and these are in a dangerous condition and likely to collapse.

“That is why we have a duty in the interests of public safety to move as quickly as possible to demolish what is left of this once fine building. Despite our efforts to consider how much of Willison House could be retained, the extent of the fire has left nothing that can be saved

“Due to the urgency of the situation, the cost of demolition will be met by the council. The council will be pursuing the owner for reimbursement.”

The spokesperson added: “The exclusion zone will be maintained in the meantime in the interests of public safety. The work will be carried out as quickly as possible to allow the situation for business in the surrounding area to return to normal.”

The fire is being treated as wilful and Police Scotland said officers are following a number of lines of enquiry to identify those responsible.