FIREFIGHTERS were called out three times overnight to tackle separate blazes at a derelict warehouse on the Green Lane Industrial Estate, Spennymoor, County Durham.

All three were in different areas of the old Watson's depot and were started deliberately.

Fire spokesman Tony Grufferty said that burning rubber had sent up black smoke which could be seen from a wide area, but none of the fires had been serious.

Calls came in at 7.30pm last night, 5.30am and just before 9.30am.

He appealed for members of the public to contact police or street wardens if they saw anyone on the land.

He said: "It is a prime target at the moment and something needs to be done about it."