Fire guts historic Quebec armoury

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One of the most historic buildings in Canada's Quebec City has collapsed after being swept by a massive fire.

The blaze, which witnesses said was followed by an explosion, left just a wall and two towers standing. No casualties were reported.

The City Armoury, built in 1884, was the home of Canada's oldest French infantry regiment. It also housed a museum and was being renovated.

The cause of the fire is not known, but police do not suspect terrorism.

The fire started around 2130 local time on Friday (0130 GMT Saturday). The building collapsed two hours later.

The building was famous for having the largest suspended ceiling in Canada.

It housed Les Voltigueurs de Quebec riflemen, a reserve unit in the Canadian army, and was used for training cadets.

Firefighters were trying to save the museum, which houses memorabilia from World War I and World War II.