Emergency services have launched an investigation into a suspected arson attack at a North East hotel after the popular venue was heavily fire damaged from the blaze.
Firefighters from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) were called to reports of a fire at Chilton Lodge and Country Club, Houghton-le-Spring, at around 5.30pm on Thursday (June 23).
Six crews from the fire service, including teams from High Handenhold, Durham and Consett, as well as one from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, to battle the flames.
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The fire service extinguished the fire using three jets and they left the scene at 10:07pm.
On Friday (June 24), firefighters and police officers could be seen at the hotel venue, with the windows of the hotel boarded up.
Following the fire, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed that they have launched a joint investigation with the police into the incident.
A County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Reports of a fire at Chilton lodge and country club, came into CDDFRS control room at 5:27pm yesterday, Thursday 23rd of June.
"Six appliances from High Handenhold, Durham, Consett, the Aerial ladder platform and the Bulk Water Carrier along with one appliance from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service attended the incident. They were able to extinguish the fire using three jets and they left the scene at 10:07pm.
"A joint police and fire investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the fire.”
Meanwhile, police officers have confirmed they are treating the incident as an arson.
A Durham Police spokesperson added: "Police were called just after 6.05pm yesterday (June 23) to a fire at Chilton Lodge and Country Club, near Houghton-le-Spring.
"Officers are treating the incident as arson and a joint investigation to between the police and the fire service is now underway."
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