Residents who described waking up to a loud bang have been left guessing about the cause of a fire which badly damaged a car and house and closed a North East street early this morning.

Cleveland Fire Brigade were called to the blaze in Letch Lane, Stockton, at just before 5am this morning (August 20).

The fire left a bungalow with holes in its roof, along with a burned out car just outside.

The fire brigade confirmed the incident had begun as a vehicle fire before spreading to the property, while Cleveland Police have confirmed they are treating the event as “suspicious”.

One resident said they woke up in the early hours to the sound of a large bang, and could see three fire appliances on the road.

They said the incident was very uncommon for the properties lining the road as it was a “semi-rural area”.

They said: “It is something you don’t expect. We still haven’t got a clue what’s happened, we knew there was a fire, but we don’t know what’s gone on.”

Another resident said: “It’s definitely not a normal thing.

“The first things that jump into your mind are, is it arson? Is it an electrical fault? Has somebody left something on? Or is it a battery fire?

“It’s just a guessing game. It’s worrying.”

They added police had arrived just after 10am and they were surprised to see them outside the affected property.

They also said the properties are not on a gas main.

Other residents said the road had been closed following the incident, with one saying he had trouble getting back home on the day.

Another resident said she was surprised and shocked by the event, as the street is “the quietest place”.

A spokesperson for CFB said: "Cleveland Fire Brigade were called on 20/08/2024 at 04.58am to an incident on Letch Lane, Carlton Stockton.

"Vehicle fire that had spread to house. Four fire engines were in attendance from Stockton. Seven Breathing Apparatus (BA), two Hose Reels(HR), two jets and Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) were used. 100 per cent fire damage to car and 80 per cent fire damage to property.

"We left the scene at 07.28am. Investigations ongoing as per our usual procedure."

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: “Just before 5.10am today our Fire Brigade colleagues notified us they were dealing with a fire on Letch Lane, Stockton, and they requested police to assist with a road closure. 

“There are no reports of any injuries and the road was re-opened just before 7.30am.

Recommended reading:

“The fire is currently being treated as suspicious and enquiries are underway.

“We would appeal for anyone with information, doorbell/dashcam or CCTV footage which could assist to contact Cleveland Police on the 101 number quoting ref 160281.

“If you don’t want to speak to police you can pass information anonymously to www.https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or by phoning 0800 555 111.”