Hardwick blaze: Pictures show aftermath of 'arson attack'

Firefighters and police were called to a flat on Cockerton Walk, in Hardwick, on Saturday after a reported arson attack at around 9.15pm. 

Three fire engines, an ambulance, and several police vehicles were spotted at the scene - with nearby properties being evacuated while fire crews extinguished the blaze.

The fire caused significant damage to the property, with new pictures showing how the kitchen has been left covered in a layer of soot. 

The aftermath of a flat fire in Hardwick, Stockton (Image: CLEVELAND FIRE BRIGADE) The aftermath of a flat fire in Hardwick, Stockton (Image: CLEVELAND FIRE BRIGADE)

Part of the letterbox was also melted, with another image showing an item with 'heat seekers' written on the side, believed to be the firework put through the door. 

Thankfully the resident was not at home at the time, otherwise, Cleveland Fire Brigade say this "reckless" incident could have been life-threatening.

The aftermath of a flat fire in Hardwick, Stockton (Image: CLEVELAND FIRE BRIGADE)

The scene of the blaze (Image: Terry Blackburn)

A spokesperson said: "We need to strongly remind our communities that Fireworks are not toys and the misuse of them is ‘Bang Out of Order’ and carries serious, life-altering consequences.

"Anyone who has information, CCTV or dash cam footage that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101 quoting reference number 210776.

"Let’s keep our communities safe and take fireworks seriously."

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A Cleveland Police spokesperson previously said: "At 9.20am on Saturday November 2 police were called to reports of a fire at a home on Cockerton Walk in Stockton.

"Officers attended to find the property wasn’t occupied at the time. The fire was extinguished by firefighters from Cleveland Fire Brigade and neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution.

"The fire is being treated as arson and is believed to have been caused by a firework being put through the letterbox."