ENQUIRIES are ongoing after a pub was badly damaged in a fire over the weekend. 

The outdoor area at The Smiths Dock Inn, in Skippers Lane, Middlesbrough, was destroyed in the fire.

The owners said the repair bill would be thousands of pounds.

The blaze ripped through the outdoor area between 8pm and 10pm on Saturday.

Cleveland Police say enquiries are ongoing.

A spokesperson said: "A report was made to police regarding criminal damage to astro turf, decking, furniture and heaters overnight from Saturday 9th into Sunday 10th October at the Smiths Dock Inn on Skippers Lane.

"A crime report has been made and enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information should call 101, quoting reference number 171866."

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

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

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