The fire broke out in a student housing apartment block in Guldheden, around 10pm on Saturday, and fire fighters from three separate stations fought the blaze throughout the night while shocked residents gathered in the freezing cold outside.

The roof of the five-storey residence is being removed to allow easier access for emergency services, who continued to battle the re-igniting blaze on Monday.

“After we lift off the roof it will be easier to reach the trouble spots. Our goal is to have everything extinguished during the day,” said Conny Erixon of the Gothenburg emergency services, to TT news agency.

The fire has taken so long to extinguish as it has continually re-ignited after the flames have been put out.

Residents’ entry has been prohibited, and evacuees have been given rooms in a nearby nursing home and hotel.

Engineers aim to ascertain whether the building is likely to collapse, and hope to have access to the building on Monday.

The cause of the fire is still unknown, however fire-fighters believe it may have begun on the fourth floor in a student apartment.

The victim of the fire is still unidentified by police, who are labelling the incident as suspected arson.