A TEESSIDE pub is counting the cost of extensive fire damage after a blaze destroyed its outdoor area over the weekend.

The owners of The Smiths Dock Inn pub, on Skippers Lane, Middlesbrough, now face a repair bill of thousands of pounds after the incident.

The blaze ripped through the outdoor area between 8pm and 10pm on Saturday, and are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

CCTV footage shared on social media shows a group of people believed to be responsible.

The Northern Echo: Fire damage at The Smiths Dock Inn Fire damage at The Smiths Dock Inn

The Northern Echo:

The owners claim the footage shows a group of youths setting cushions and tables alight.

The Smiths Dock Inn is currently undergoing a refurbishment and was closed to the public at the time of the incident.

A social media post read: "We’ve got a good 2 hours of CCTV footage that clearly shows a group of teenagers, boys and girls (ALL FACES CLEAR) who set fire to the beer garden last night.

"If you were present and not responsible we suggest you ring 01642 459700 before the police come to you."

Cleveland Police were contacted for comment.

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