Police have launched an investigation after a suspected arson in County Durham. Emergency services were called to a fire at a derelict building on Croft Street, Crook at around 6.55pm on Saturday (May 21).
Durham Constabulary along with County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and a joint investigation was launched. Five crews from Durham, Consett, Spennymoor, and Bishop Auckland responded to the fire, along with the Aerial Ladder Platform.
Police said the fire is believed to have been started deliberately. Officers have now appealed for anyone with information to get in touch with the police and thanked the public for their support.
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A spokesperson for Crook Police said: "On Saturday the 21st of May Crook police were made aware of a fire on Croft Street, Crook. The fire is believed to have been deliberately started at approximately 18:55hrs.
"Officers have already begun an investigation and are working to identify those who may have been involved or have witnessed the incident.
"If you have any information relating to this incident and have not already been spoken to by police can you contact PC 2968 Ashley at paul.ashley@durham.police.uk Thank you for your support and patience while this investigation is ongoing."
A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: "An investigation has been launched after a suspected deliberate fire in Crook.
"Reports of a fire in a derelict building on Croft Street came into CDDFRS control just before 7.00pm on Saturday, May, 21. Five crews from Durham, Consett, Spennymoor and Bishop Auckland responded to the fire, along with the Aerial Ladder Platform.
"The derelict building, formerly a school, was well alight, with crews working for over two hours to extinguish the fire.
"A joint investigation with Durham Constabulary has been launched into the cause, at this time it is thought to be deliberate. Anyone with information about the cause should call FireStoppers, anonymously on 0800 169 555."
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