North Shields fire tragedy: Painstaking investigation work goes on at scene of blaze that killed Leah Casson

Painstaking investigation work is today continuing at the fire-ravaged building where teenager Leah Casson lost her life.

It has now been more than two weeks since the 18-year-old was killed when a ferocious blaze ripped through her family's North Shields home.

And while detectives suspect the fire was started deliberately, it's exact cause today remains a mystery.

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The extent of damage to the building means additional safety measures have been needed to allow police to do the investigation work required.

So today the property is still cordoned off, as police remain at the scene.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: "Our investigation into the fire which tragically killed 18-year-old Leah Casson remains ongoing.

“Due to the significant level of damage to the property, a number of safety measures have been put in place, and are regularly reviewed, to enable specialist investigators to continue their work.

“At this moment in time, the cause of the fire remains unknown and we are still not ruling anything out."

Police cordon on Vicarage Street, North Shields (Newcastle Chronicle)

Emergency services were called to Vicarage Street, near North Shields Town Centre, after the fire broke out during the early hours of Monday January 16.

Three people, who the Chronicle understands to be members of Leah's family, managed to escape the property, but Leah's body was later found inside.

In a statement her family said: "As a family we are totally devastated by what has happened. Leah was an outgoing, bubbly young woman who we loved so much, and we can’t believe she has gone."

Police are still appealing for information about the fire.

The spokeswoman added: "If anyone has information which can help our investigation, please contact us."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Northumbria Police on 101 quoting log NP-20230116-0067.

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