A BUSY takeaway was gutted by fire yesterday morning, following what police fear is the latest arson attack in the area.
Six fire engines and one emergency tender, containing 22 firefighters, spent more than an hour tackling the blaze at Olivitos takeaway, in York Road, Hartlepool.
The fire began in the ground floor of the building, before spreading to a first floor flat at around 4am.
Police have found evidence of a break-in and are said to be treating the fire as suspicious.
"Investigations into the cause of the fire have been going on all day, and they have taken forensic samples, but until then we do not know what caused the fire," said a police spokesman.
Breathing apparatus, two hose reels and a jet were used to extinguish the fire.
A fire spokesman said: "There was severe fire, heat and smoke damage to the room of origin, and also severe fire, heat and smoke damage to the upstairs of the property and attic area."
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