SECURITY staff at Teesside Crown Court were yesterday praised for their fast action in evacuating the building after an arson attack on the second floor of the building.
Cases were being heard in several of the courtrooms when thick, black smoke was spotted coming from a toilet block.
Station Officer Ron Carr, of Middlesbrough fire station, confirmed that the blaze had been maliciously started.
He said: "The staff did an excellent job and should be commended for getting everyone out of the building in such good time.
"There was no risk to life because of their prompt action."
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