AN inquiry has begun into the cause of fire in Stockton.

Youngsters are being blamed for starting the blaze in a three-storey house in Shaftsbury Street.

Ten firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus (BA), battled against flames and thick smoke when they entered the building which is being renovated and has no floors or stair rails.

Acting Stockton Station Officer Colin Robinson said: "It was very hazardous for the BA wearers with no stair rails or anything. We are trained to do it and the guys were warned as they went in and they carried out correct procedures.

"It's a big old house. The owner had just done the roof and was about to start on the interior.

"It looks as though kids set fire to the first floor level, that spread up through the walls and under the floor joists.''

The fire caused 20 per cent structural damage to the property and spread into an adjoining building where it caused five per cent fire damage to the roof.

Cleveland Police are investigating the cause of the fire.