FIRE officers have issued a warning over a village's derelict chapel that has been hit by vandals.

The former Methodist chapel in Hurworth Place, near Darlington, was the scene of a recent blaze when youngsters broke in and set fire to rubbish inside, smoke-logging the building.

Fire officers fear that lives could be lost if a fire is started and someone becomes trapped in the building.

The building has already been condemned as an eyesore by parish councillors, who say the fire service has been called out to it a number of times.

Last week, three fire engines attended a blaze after reports that people were reported inside.

It was later put down to "malicious ignition", caused by children playing with matches.

Station officer Richy McArdle, of County Durham Fire and Rescue Service, said: "If a fire gets out of control and someone gets stuck in the building they are in serious trouble.

"You could end up with a potential fatality. Kids should not go into empty buildings and certainly not start fires, because it is pure folly.

"The recent fire could have been worse if somebody had not spotted the smoke, as it could have spread to the entire building."

The building has been secured by a padlock on the front door, but vandals have still managed to break in because there is no door at the back.

Inside, there are gaps in the floorboards which would provide a further hazard, particularly in the dark, and there is also glass and other rubbish strewn around the area.

It is understood that development work is planned for the building. However there is some confusion as to who the actual owners of the site are.

Hurworth Parish Council is writing to Darlington Borough Council in an attempt to establish what the position is.

A spokesman for the borough council said they were waiting to hear from the parish council before investigating the situation further.