INQUIRIES are continuing to pinpoint the cause of a blaze which badly damaged an unoccupied house.

The fire was reported in the end terrace property, in Baldwin Street, Easington Colliery, County Durham, between 5.30am and 6am on Sunday (March 6).

Two fire crews initially attended, from Peterlee station, but a third appliance was requested as a precaution, from Seaham.

Station manager Dave Mitchelson confirmed the blaze was successfully brought under control, without injury.

“It appears to have been derelict or an empty property.

“We’ll be carrying out an investigation with the police to try to ascertain the cause.

“We can’t say at this stage, but we’ll let it cool down before we have a look through.

“It could be anything, from an electric fault to a mouse chewing through a cable.”

Mr Mitchelson said residents were at home in a neighbouring property at the time, but, on becoming aware of the fire, safely evacuated, with injury.

He confirmed the blaze was contained to just the end terrace property.