Three teenagers have been arrested in connection with a fire which tore through a derelict nightclub last week.

The Wesley in Hartlepool went up in flames on Tuesday, November 7 in what police confirmed they were treating as a suspected arson.

Over the weekend three 14-year-old boys were arrested and questioned by police, taking the number of arrests to six.

The Northern Echo: The fire ripped through the former nightclub last Tuesday (November 7).The fire ripped through the former nightclub last Tuesday (November 7). (Image: Terry Blackburn)

They were later released on bail while investigations continue.

The other three teenagers, two aged 15 and one aged 16, were arrested on suspicion of arson last week and bailed with conditions.

The Northern Echo: Fire crews at scene of fire at former Wesley nightclub in Hartlepool

Huge flames could be seen coming from the former nightclub and chapel, built in 1873, in Wesley Square while fire crews worked at the scene.

Work to convert the site into a hotel as part of a £4.1m scheme began in March this year.

One resident said: “I hope it can be saved, it would be such a shame with it being a very old building and its historic value.”

The Northern Echo: Investigations at the scene.Investigations at the scene. (Image: Terry Blackburn)

Police have appealed for anyone with information or footage from the area, specifically from around 4.45pm to 5.30pm to contact them.

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A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: “We would again appeal for anyone with information or footage from the area – specifically from around 4.45pm to 5.30pm on Tuesday 7th November to contact Hartlepool CID on the 101 number, quoting ref 221645.

“If you don’t want to speak to police you can pass information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phoning 0800 555 111.”

The grade II listed building was previously the target of a suspected arson attack in December 2017 which left it gutted inside with the roof destroyed.