Man assisting with inquiries as Oxley police investigate early morning fire at Tamworth's Robert Street doctors' surgery

A spokesperson from NSW Police confirmed a crime scene had been established at the Robert Street shopping village, and a man was assisting police with their inquiries.

The spokesperson said a small fire broke out inside the doctors' surgery at the complex about 4:30am, sparking an emergency response.

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Fire and Rescue NSW crews from the South Tamworth station responded to the calls for help, but found that someone at the site had already "all but put the fire out" using a fire extinguisher, according to Superintendent Tom Cooper.

"That was really quick thinking by them," Superintendent Cooper said.

He said firefighters checked for hotspots and ventilated the area, before handing the scene over to Oxley police detectives.

Superintendent Cooper said the fire was only small, and had mainly caused smoke damage to the inside of the room where it broke out.

Police remained on the scene on Tuesday morning, combing the area.

It is understood the back of the Robert Street arcade was closed off and the doctors' surgery and nearby chemist were shut on Tuesday.