THE former RAFA Club in Stockton Road, Hartlepool, has been severely damaged by fire.

The blaze took hold at around 11.30pm last night, and firefighters from Cleveland Fire Brigaide were working on the fire until around 3am, with three fire engines attending and crews using breathing apparatus, aerial ladders and a cab to work above the flames. 

Watch manager Gary Crawford said: "We hope the fire is now out but we have just sent a crew to check it is still safe.

"It is a problem building for us because it has been derelict for a long time and is in a bad state of repair inside. The fire started on the ground floor and spread up to the first floor and roof. Compared to other recent fires there this was a lot more serious."

The road was closed by police for three hours. 

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