A fire investigation is underway after a blaze broke out at a derelict office block and former cannabis farm.

Firefighters were called to the disused Ridgemount House on Bede Way in Peterlee on Wednesday (August 16) evening at about 8.20pm after reports of a blaze.

Crews found a fire had broken out in the first floor of the building, which was found to be the home of thousands of pounds worth of cannabis plants back in 2020 after a man converted two floors for use as a drug farm.

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It is believed the blaze may have been started deliberately.

Fire officers tackled the blaze in the boarded-up building and left around two hours later.

A joint investigation between Durham Police and the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) is taking place today (Thursday, August 17).

A CDDFRS spokesperson said: “The call came in at about 8.20pm and fire crews were mobilised to Ridgemont House which is on Bede Way in Petelee.

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"Four of our appliances and one ariel ladder platform attended – two from Peterlee, one from Seaham, and one and the ariel platform from Durham.

“On attendance we were met by a fire on the first floor of the building which is currently boarded up. Crews entered and extinguished the fire.

“It looks like somebody had forced entry and deliberately started the fire however a joint fire and police investigation will take place today.”