SYDNEY: Authorities are investigating a suspicious fire which ravaged a Darlinghurst clothing retailer last night.
Diners at two nearby restaurants were evacuated at around 9.30pm as the two-storey building on Oxford Street went up in flames. Although firefighters spent half an hour bringing the blaze under control, local police said the shop was badly damaged.
NSW Fire Brigades spokesman Ian Krimmer said thirty firefighters were involved in the effort.
"The building was extensively damaged and the fire was contained to the building," he said.
"The fire is being treated as suspicious and fire investigations are continuing."