POLICE suspect that a community centre blaze was the work of arsonists.

A carpet and wooden door were placed against the door of the community centre on the Skerne Park estate, in Darlington, on Tuesday night, and set alight, severely damaging the front of the building.

Now Darlington borough councillors fear that if such destructive behaviour is allowed to continue it could cost lives.

Leading Firefighter Malcolm Woodward said an investigation was under way into the fire, but it was a suspected arson, and a group of youths had been seen in the area beforehand.

He said: "The fire itself has severely damaged the front door and most of the roof section of the front of the building, but the rest of the building filled with smoke."

Community centre secretary Joyce Standing said computers recently bought for the use of the youth club and the wider community had not been damaged in the fire.

She said: "It is upsetting, but no doubt we will pick ourselves up once it is repaired.

"There are a lot of good kids on this estate and this is a shame for them. It is only a few that cause the trouble."

A council spokesman said it was expected to take about two weeks to repair the damage before regular activities could continue at the centre.

Local ward councillor Cyndi Hughes is so concerned by the arson attack that she has called a meeting today with community leaders, the police and the town's MP, Alan Milburn.

She said: "If these kids are starting these fires, then sooner or later someone is going to die. This is not just about protecting council property.

"We need to get our heads together and say enough is enough. We need to work together to take that step forward and make a difference."

Mr Milburn said: "This is a real blow for Skerne Park and I will be working with the community to find a way forward from this."

A police spokesman said officers would like to speak to youths seen in the area at the time of the fire.

Anyone with information can contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681.