The embattled speaker of Liberia’s House of Representatives has been questioned by police after a fire broke out in the West African country’s legislative body.

Residents of the capital, Monrovia, woke up Wednesday morning to see thick black smoke and flames rising from the Capitol building.

The fire destroyed the entire joint chamber of the Legislature, but no one was inside the building at the time.

Liberia Police Chief Gregory Coleman said four people, including Speaker Jonathan Fornati Koffa and Rep. Frank Sach Fouco, had been brought in for questioning.

The fire came a day after plans to remove Cofa from his position as spokesman sparked tense protests.

Several demonstrators, including an aide to former President George Weah, were arrested during Tuesday’s protests.

Rep. Foucault, a prominent House figure, allegedly uploaded a video on Facebook in which he said: “If they want us to burn down the chamber, we’re going to burn it down.”

“Representative Foucault threatened to burn down the Union Chamber, and a day later, the Union Chamber burned down,” said Police Chief Coleman. “So he needs to clarify his statement.”

Coleman said Coffa also must explain Facebook posts he made during the protests.

Neither Foucault nor Coffa responded publicly to Coleman’s comments.

The government is offering a $5,000 (£3,900) reward for more information about the fire.

President Joseph Boakai expressed disappointment over the incident and ordered security agencies to investigate.

Liberia’s House of Representatives has been plagued by a power struggle, with some members claiming to have ousted and replaced Speaker Kofa.

Another group boycotted the move, calling it unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court ruling failed to resolve the internal dispute.