POLICE have confirmed they are treating as arson a warehouse fire which destroyed clothes and donations destined for Syria.

Five fire appliances were sent to fight the blaze on the Task Industrial Estate, Portrack Lane, Stockton, at about 8.30pm on Sunday.

The warehouse was being used by the One Ummah charity to store donations that were due to be shipped out to Syria to be distributed among the needy affected by the ongoing conflict.

Zaheer Iqbal, from the charity, said the volunteers were devastated by the damage to the goods which were to leave Teesside in a container on Wednesday.

He said: "The police have cordoned off the warehouse but we believe a lot of the clothes and tents have been destroyed.

"The food may be okay although it may be smoke damaged.

"It's being treated as a crime scene and we believe it was malicious.

"It's devastating - we are a small charity and are trying to do something which is desperately needed. 

"The donations have come from all walks of life from people who just want to help at this time of year."

Stockton Fire Station watch manager Stuart Simpson said: “The whole shipment has been destroyed - even the items that weren’t damaged by fire will have been totally smoke damaged.

“The building has been isolated by the gas and electricity boards.

“The incident is being treated as suspicious at this point.

“A joint fire and police investigation is taking place this morning.”

Police are appealing for information following a fire which is being treated as arson at a warehouse building on Northport Road in Portrack, Stockton.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman confirmed the fire was being treated as suspicious after initial investiations. Any witnesses or anyone with information regarding is asked to contact Detective Constable Shaun Jackson on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

For details on the charity visit www.help4syria.com