Three children arrested after 'arson attack' in Hartlepool

Firefighters were called to the former Eskimo Joe's nightclub and Showroom Bar on Victoria Road on Monday after the derelict building set ablaze just before 5.30pm.

A cordon was erected around the scene as flames ripped through the building, which was previously a Popworld nightclub, with Cleveland Police saying “severe damage” has been caused to the site. 

The force has now confirmed that three children have been arrested after a drone led officers on the ground to the three suspects.

Fire crews at the scene (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN) Fire crews at the scene (Image: Picture: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Two boys aged 14 were arrested on suspicion of arson, and one boy aged 11 was arrested on suspicion of arson and possessing an offensive weapon, after a knife was reportedly seized from the 11-year-old.

The three boys remain in custody.

The force added that nobody was injured during the ordeal, but the building next door has also been left with further damage as a result of the blaze. 

A scene remains in place this morning (Image: Picture: TERRY BLACKBURN) Fire crews used an aerial ladder platform (Image: Picture: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Fire crews were pictured late on Monday evening and into the early hours using an aerial ladder platform to hose down the flames. 

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Drone footage showed the flames at the rear of the building while smoke poured out into the nearby streets.

A scene remains at Victoria Road and Lauder Street, and the roads will remain closed until further notice.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101 quoting 066199.