Police have appealed for information after a bowling pavilion was burnt to the ground following a spate of vandalism.
At around 10.30pm on Wednesday emergency services were called to Birtley Bowling Welfare Pavilion after a fire engulfed the building and caused irreparable damage.
It followed three separate occasions last month in which offenders broke into the premises and caused significant damage. This included locks being cut, shutters being removed as well as windows, furniture, toilets and doors being damaged.
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A full investigation is ongoing into the incidents, which police are treating as linked, and officers are treating the cause of the fire as suspected arson.
Inspector Kev Ashurst, of Northumbria Police, said: "This is absolutely appalling and we will rest at nothing to ensure those responsible are rightly identified, arrested and put before the courts.
"Enquiries have been ongoing ever since the spate of vandalism last month, and this week’s attack is the latest in a line of mindless criminality committed at the premises.
"This will not be tolerated and we will be working alongside our fire colleagues and partners in order to bring swift and effective justice against those involved.
"I am today appealing to the community of Birtley for their help. If you believe you know who was involved in these spate of attacks, or have heard anything that can assist us, please get in touch.
"Your information, no matter how insignificant you feel it may be, could prove the key to our investigation."
Group Manager Paul Thompson, Head of Service Delivery West for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, added: "I want to thank the crews for their quick response to the incident on Wednesday.
"It's such a shame that the bowling pavilion has been targeted but we will continue to work with Northumbria Police and Gateshead Council to ensure the site is safe.
"We want to encourage the public to contact FireStoppers or online with any that will help us identify the people responsible and keep our community safe.
"You will still see us out and about conducting our safe and well checks in Birtley to make sure your home is safe so if you see us around, please say hello.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the Northumbria Police website or by calling 101 quoting log 016445T/23.
Alternatively, you can report any information about deliberate fires anonymously by calling Firestoppers on 0800 169 5558.
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