No major clues to Cutty Sark fire

Results of a forensic examination of the remains of the ship, which was badly damaged in the early morning blaze on Monday, have proved inconclusive.

Metropolitan Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire but say they have no major leads.

A police spokesman said: "The forensic examination was carried out jointly between the Metropolitan Police Service, London Fire Brigade, the Forensic Science Service and a specialist forensic company employed by the Cutty Sark Trust's insurers.

"Greenwich Police continue to make inquiries and view CCTV footage from around the area. At this stage, we have no major leads and inquiries continue."

He added that anyone who was in the area at the time of Monday's blaze, or has any information regarding it, should contact Greenwich CID on 020 8284 9416.

Fortunately, almost 50% of the ship, including masts, coach houses and planking, had been removed as part of conservation work. The fire damage is expected to add millions to the final restoration bill and seriously delay the anticipated public reopening date in 2009.

The maritime treasure had been closed to visitors since last year to allow for the £25 million conservation work.

The Cutty Sark Trust had already raised £18 million towards the tally before the blaze but has warned that the repair bill will significantly increase the funding they need. But Richard Doughty, chief executive of the Trust, has said they would "redouble their efforts" to preserve the ship in the wake of the blaze.

The Cutty Sark is one of London's best-loved maritime landmarks and at 137 years old is the world's sole surviving tea clipper. She was originally used to deliver tea from China in the 1870s and later travelled on many journeys to fetch wool from Australia. Built in 1869 by Scott & Linton, Dumbarton, the Cutty Sark is the sole surviving extreme clipper, designed to be very fast.