Welcome to your daily look at the news in the North East.
Each morning and lunchtime we'll bring you some of the latest news from the North East - from breaking news and top stories to NUFC updates and the cost of living latest.
This morning we start with the news that yesterday's devastating fire at a home in North Shields is now being treated as suspected arson.
Neighbours spoke of their shock as the property on Vicarage Street was engulfed in flames, with emergency services first notified of the incident at 3.28am on January 15.
Three people - thought to be family members - were taken to hospital with serious injuries. Their condition was still unknown yesterday evening.
Elsewhere, cops are clearing the streets of yobs after firefighters were allegedly petrol-bombed and a police officer attacked.
Northumbria Police is using a 48 hour dispersal notice in an area of Westerhope and West Denton, in Newcastle, after the shocking incident on Saturday night.
The Chronicle reported on Sunday how crews from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service were pelted with missiles, including a petrol bomb and a heavy glass bottle, after being called to a fire in West Denton. The gang of around six teenagers are said to have prevented the firefighters from leaving the area by barricading them in with sandbags.
Meanwhile, dozens of poor hens were found to have been burnt alive after a cruel thief stole a generator from an allotment before setting it alight.
Officers have launched an arson investigation into the events at Potterly Lane allotments, in Sunderland's Castletown area, on November 4, 2022, which saw emergency services respond shortly before 8am.
The offender stole a generator and a saw worth around £300 before setting fire to the allotment and fleeing the scene - which saw 25 Bantam hens incinerated.
And finally, a petition has been launched to "save" a popular seaside café in Sunderland over fears is could potentially close.
Cole Kitchen is an important pit-stop for many who take a trip to Roker and is renowned for its coffee and high-quality breakfast sandwiches - which regularly result in queues building up outside. But in December, the café and deli had plans refused by Sunderland City Council to turn into a hot food takeaway.
The council refused the application on grounds of residential amenity and health.
That's all from us for now, but check back at 11am for your next North East Today update.
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