South Africa parliament fire flares up again

A devastating fire that swept through South Africa's Houses of Parliament in Cape Town has reignited - hours after it was said to be under control.

Flames have been billowing from the building's roof. Firefighters are at the scene, trying to douse the blaze.

The fire first broke out on Sunday, causing extensive damage to the building.

Police have arrested a suspect who will appear in court on Tuesday on charges of arson, housebreaking and theft.

Authorities had warned that flare-ups would be possible because of carpets and wooden floors in the building.

"The void beneath the roof sheeting of the National Assembly [lower chamber] is on fire," city officials said.

On Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa called the fire a "terrible and devastating event".

The parliament is not currently in session because of the holidays, and no-one was injured.

The building is home to thousands of treasures including historic books, photographs and important works of art. There is particular concern that the valuable Keiskamma Tapestry, which is 120m (394ft) long and documents South Africa's history, may have been damaged or destroyed.