FIREFIGHTERS say they are worried that an unoccupied pub which was set alight on Saturday night will become a target for young vandals.

Three fire engines and a hydraulic platform were called to a blaze at The Fleece, Feversham Street, St Hilda's, Middlesbrough, at 9.30pm after youths broke in and set fire to a mattress on the first floor.

Middlesbrough Station Officer Kevin Harrison said it took firefighters more than 20 minutes to get the blaze under control and much of the inside of the property was severely damaged.

"We don't know who owns it and we had to secure it ourselves when we left, by hammering some boards on the windows and doors," he said.

"Neighbours said they'd seen kids and youths running in and out of there all day. It had been completely ransacked.

"They will get in again. It's pretty much a time bomb waiting to happen. There are enough fixtures and fittings left to make it a really big fire as well."

He said firefighters would be sent back to the pub and former hotel so they could familiarise themselves with the building in case of repeated arson attacks.

"It's a very, very old building and it's huge. It's obviously easier for us to get a good idea of the place when there isn't a fire going on so that's what we will do. Unfortunately, we can't prevent another fire."

The joint police and fire arson reduction team is investigating Saturday night's blaze.