FAMOUS beach huts on Scarborough seafront have been destroyed after a fire swept through them which is believed to have been started deliberately.

Several huts on the North Bay were also broken into. An investigation has been launched by police and fire officers. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said the cause of the fire was believed to be deliberate.

The alarm was raised around 4.30am on August 23. Fire crews from Scarborough and Filey used breathing apparatus and a hose reel to put the fire out. Up to 20 of the famous beach huts were affected either by fire or were burgled.

Police are now appealing for owners of beach huts to come forward so they can assess the amount of damage caused.

They want to hear from anyone who owns or tenants a chalet on the sea front which may have been affected. Call 101, select option 1 and use reference 12190154548.

Two teenagers aged 14 and 15, were arrested following the damage, with the older boy also arrested on suspicion of burglary. They have been released pending investigations by police and forensics officers .