ARSONISTS are thought to have started the blaze that forced drinkers to flee from a North-East social club.

Police are still investigating the blaze at the Elysium Lane New Club, in the Bensham area of Gateshead, on Friday night.

It is thought the fire may have been caused by flammable liquid being poured into an empty function room and ignited.

Seventeen people were evacuated from the club when the fire started, at about 10.20pm.

The club's manageress, who raised the alarm and ushered the drinkers out of the building, needed hospital treatment for a burn to her left arm

The club was badly damaged by fire, heat and smoke.

Eight fire crews, some wearing breathing apparatus, from Gateshead and Pilgrim Street, West Road and West Denton fire stations, in Newcastle, took 45 minutes to bring the blaze under control.

Investigators believe the arsonists broke windows in the function room before they started the blaze.

A spokesman for the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Brigade said the blaze was reported as a rubbish fire, but a second call from the club said it had been started deliberately.

He said: "When we got there, the function room at the rear of the building was well alight but, fortunately, it was unoccupied.

"The manageress had done an excellent job in getting everybody out of the bar, which is only separated from the function room by a wall.

"When we arrived, they were all standing outside on the road. The function room was totally engulfed in fire and it was spreading rapidly.''

Over the weekend, police sent officers and a sniffer dog to examine the building.

Neighbour Graham Frost said he heard a bang as he was getting ready for bed, and saw billowing smoke and flames when he looked out of the window.

Police are asking anyone with information to call 0191-454 7555.