A SUSPECTED arson attack has destroyed a historic building in a Victorian park.

Firefighters were called to a ferocious blaze at the bolwing clubhouse in Saltwell Park, Gateshead, at around 8pm on Sunday night.

Two crews from Gateshead Community Fire Station used jets and thermal imaging cameras to contain the fire and bring it under control.

It is not clear if the building is now structurally safe to remain standing.

Read more: Harrowing evidence from teenage eyewitnesses at Jack Woodley murder trial

Early investigations have led firefighters to believe the fire was started deliberately and could be linked to recent anti-social behaviour in the area.

Paul Thompson, group manager of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, is calling on the community to work together to identify those responsible.

He said: “We do believe this fire has been started deliberately and could be linked to groups of young people gathering in the park.

“It is such a shame that this building has been destroyed but I am proud of how quickly our crews brought the blaze under control.

“The building is in a heavily wooded area and the fire could have been much worse so it was imperative we got to the scene quickly.

“We are working together with the police, Gateshead Council and our community to identify those responsible and address anti-social behaviour in the area.

“Those involved in this criminality are a very small minority of children but we need the support of all parents.

“If children come home smelling of smoke then it is likely they have been involved in deliberate fire-setting and they are putting their own lives at risk.”

Northumbria Police confirmed the fire is now under investigation.

Sergeant Ben Powell said: “This fire has devastated a century-old listed building, leaving it beyond repair.

“We are currently conducting a number of enquiries and reviewing CCTV and we urge anyone who may know anything about the fire to come forward – either speaking directly to police or through Crimestoppers.”

Gateshead Council has cordoned off the site and ensured the services to the building have been isolated.

Philip Hindmarsh, the authority’s service director for environment and fleet management, said: “Sadly this historic pavilion has been gutted by the fire and a significant amount of the building has collapsed.”

Anyone with information about those responsible for the fire are asked to contact Northumbria Police online at their website, quoting log 030849N/22.

---

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054