Police have found no bodies inside a scorched former Newcastle pub after sending cadaver dogs into the building that was gutted by a blaze in the middle of the city on Sunday night.
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Fire destroyed the former CBD Hotel site on the block between Hunter and King streets, with firefighters all night extinguishing the inferno.
Investigators sent cadaver dogs into the ruins on Tuesday afternoon, but no human remains were found inside.
Residents of the neighbouring apartment block told the Newcastle Herald on Sunday night the former hotel - which was sold last year - had been home to squatters recently.
Police said earlier this week the fire started after a reported explosion about 5.30pm.
The Herald understands the amount of debris inside the former pub is continuing to present a problem for investigators - meaning they had not yet been able to search the entire the building as of Wednesday afternoon.
"Detectives from Newcastle City PD have conducted preliminary investigations at the scene," a police spokesperson said.
"Investigations are continuing into the cause of the blaze under Strike Force Vickery. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
"Hunter Street remains closed between Auckland Street and Worth Place due to the structural integrity of the building."
The fire began in or near the kitchen, according to firefighters.
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