University bosses fear years of research work may have been lost in a massive blaze.

Around 40 firefighters were called to a science building at the University of St Andrews in Fife at 5pm on Sunday.

Smoke could be seen for miles as crews tackled the flames.

Officers have now ruled the blaze was accidental and have concluded their investigation.

The university was hoping to gain access to the inside of the building for the first time on Monday.

The building was evacuated and there were no casualties.

Derek Watson, chief operating officer at St Andrews University, said: "We are continuing to work with the fire service and police and we're hoping immediately thereafter we can recover some of the research materials that date back over several decades and represent the careers of colleagues.

"We have concerns but we won't get carried away until we get access and we hope we'll have access today.

"It could be a lifetime of work and that's why it's vitally important we are able to recover as much material as we can and relocate it so the academic work can continue."

A Police Scotland spokesman added: "The fire at the biomedical sciences building of St Andrews University on Sunday has been established through a joint investigation by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland as accidental.

"Thankfully, no one was injured and students, staff and the local community are thanked for their cooperation with emergency services who attended.

"No further police action is required and the matter has been referred to the university."