A FIRE which broke out on a new housing estate where Tall Trees nightclub once stood was started by arsonists.

The blaze started on Sunday at an unoccupied house under construction in the new estatem which is being developed on land once occupied by the hotel complex.

Police confirmed last night that they are investigating the fire and it is being treated as suspicious. They are stepping up patrols in the area.

Firefighters from Yarm and Thornaby were called to the scene at Worsall Road at 10.20pm but unfortunately the house was completely destroyed in the blaze.

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An Avant Homes spokesperson said: “The fire at our Tall Trees development in Yarm last night (Sunday) occurred within an unoccupied and unfinished house.

“No one was injured and we would like to thank the firefighters from Yarm and Thornaby who attended. The house which caught fire was empty with no appliances or heating systems installed. The plots both opposite and next to the house are also unoccupied.

“An investigation has been launched by Cleveland Police and we will be working closely with them to establish the cause of the fire. This will include providing them with the footage from the 24-hour digital security cameras we have monitoring activity at the site.”

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "We are currently investigating the suspicious fire on Sunday night at the Avant Homes new build site at Yarm.

"Neighbourhood officers will speak with local organisations and businesses to discuss current security meausres, and to suggest crime prevention measures to reduce the likelihood of further problems.

"We will also carry out additional patrols in the area and would ask anyone with information on who may be responsible for last night's fire or for any other criminal damage or antisocial behaviour to contact police on 101."