Police have confirmed that they are treating a fire on a South Tyneside industrial estate as suspected arson.
Dramatic drone footage has been released today (Monday) showing more than 50 firefighters battled a blaze at a premises on Pilgrimsway on the Bede Industrial Estate in the early hours of Sunday morning. A total of 52 firefighters were involved with 10 crews sent to the area, along with two Aerial Ladder Platform vehicles and a drone unit.
At its height, the fire covered an area bigger than 10,000 square metres and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service stationed two crews at the site throughout Sunday. A police cordon was established as Northumbria Police launched an investigation, and the force has now confirmed that the fire may have been started deliberately.