Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service were called at just before 2am to reports that a boat, moored on the Embankment, close to the Key Theatre, was on fire.

Crews arrived to deal with the blaze and the cause of the fire has been declared to be deliberate.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: “On Friday (16) at 1.56am, crews from Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade, Stanground and Dogsthorpe, responded to a boat fire alongside Embankment Road, Peterborough.

“Firefighters used hose reels to extinguish the fire, before returning to their stations by 3.15am.

“The cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate.”

The burnt out remains of the boat are still on the River Nene this morning with police also in the scene while investigations are carried out.

1. Peterborough Embankment boat fire

Crews tackle the fire. Photo: Mark Mason

2. Peterborough Embankment boat fire

Crews tackle the fire. Photo: Mark Mason

3. Peterborough Embankment boat fire

Crews tackle the fire. Photo: Mark Mason

4. Peterborough Embankment boat fire

Crews tackle the fire. Photo: Mark Mason