An investigation has been launched by police after a fire was allegedly started at a disused care home in a city centre.

The incident happened at around 6.30pm yesterday (Wednesday, August 17) on Holllywood Avenue in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Police received reports of a fire at a disused care home, and later launched an investigation with the support of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze and non-one was injured, but the building was cordoned off until it could be made safe again.

The cordon also covers part of the neighbouring Marks and Spencer car park and as a result, the store is unlikely to be open to the public today (Thursday, August 18).

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Four teenagers have been arrested in connection with the fire and remain in police custody, but enquiries are ongoing to find those responsible.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “Investigating officers are appealing to anyone with information, or who was in the area at the time, to come forward.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting reference number NP-20220817-0845.

“You can also report information anonymously by contacting the independent charity Firestoppers on 0800 169 5558.”

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