Police have detained a Dutch employee of the British embassy in the Netherlands on suspicion of involvement in a fire at the diplomatic post which is being treated as possible arson.

Spokesman Yoeri Voogt said the 32-year-old suspect was held near the embassy after the early morning blaze at the building, on a historic, tree-lined avenue in the centre of The Hague.

Police said in a statement that the man would remain in custody while investigations continued.

The statement said the suspect, whose name was not released in line with Dutch privacy law, had a "support function" at the embassy. Officers said nothing about a possible motive.

The suspect is scheduled to appear before an investigating judge on Friday.

Firefighters said the blaze was quickly brought under control and no one was injured.

Embassy spokesman Alex Lawrence declined to comment on the case.

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