But now staff at the museum face a fight to preserve them because alterations are being planned at the building next door.

Museum spokeswoman Theresa Whittlestone said: "We found a doorway under the old police station which opens into what look like civil defence tunnels.

"We are not sure how far they go, or where they run, but it could be they link all the old police stations in Sheffield.

"But we have only been able to reach as far as the current West Bar Police Station, where they are bricked up.

"The police have said that when they leave the building, which is due to close, we can take the wall down and see where it goes."

But neighbouring HIV support service Shield is planning alterations to its building which museum staff believe could threaten the structures.

Theresa added: "Hopefully, Shield won't go ahead with their plans."

A spokesman for the organisation said the matter was "in the hands of solicitors".

The tunnels do not appear on any public records kept by Sheffield Council, and the museum is urging anyone with information about them to come forward.

- Email the Fire Police Museum at info@firepolicemuseum.org.uk or call 0114 249 1999.

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