TWO men have been charged with arson more than two years after a fire ripped through a former bingo hall.
The fire at the hall in Sunderland, which started on February 3, 2017, destroyed the building and caused the roof to collapse.
More than 50 firefighters were called to battle the huge blaze.
Now, more than two years after the fire, Paul Bell, 45, of Foundary Row, Coxhoe, in County Durham and Terry Mcewen, 47, of Southend Road, Gateshead, have been charged with arson.
They are due to appear before magistrates in South Tyneside tomorrow.
The fire at The Green, in Southwick caused the building's roof to collapse into the street, while roads around it had to be cordoned off as a precaution.
No-one was injured in the blaze, which started at about 5.30pm at the building, which was being used by an auction rooms business.
Following initial enquiries, it was ascertained that the fire was believed to have been started maliciously and an investigation was subsequently launched by police.
A man and a woman who were arrested as part of the initial investigation have been released with no further action to be taken.
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