A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a fire destroyed a North East flat late last night (September 24).

The 37-year-old was arrested by police following the blaze on Derby Street in Hartlepool which in the process destroyed a ground-floor flat and caused smoke damage to the flat above.

He remains in police custody pending enquiries.

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The Northern Echo: Derby Street, Hartlepool.Derby Street, Hartlepool. (Image: GOOGLE MAPS)

Emergency services rushed to the scene at just after 11pm to deal with the blaze. Three fire engines from Hartlepool and Billingham attended.

Firefighters spent just over an hour battling the fire and left the scene just after midnight.

Nobody is believed to have been injured.

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: “Officers came across a fire at a property on Derby Street, Hartlepool, around 11.05pm.

“Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.

“A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and he remains in police custody at this time.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”

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A Cleveland Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "We were called at 23.06pm to an incident on Derby Street, Hartlepool. Three fire engines in attendance from Hartlepool and Billingham."

The spokesperson added that four breathing apparatus, two hose reels and positive pressure ventilation (PPV) were used. 

The ground floor flat was 100 per cent destroyed and the first floor flat suffered 30 per cent smoke damage. The brigade left the scene by 12.19 am this morning.