FIRE officers who tackled a blaze involving a gas main say it was started deliberately by youths.

Cleveland Fire Brigade was called to the main at the junction of Amberwood Walk and Easington Road, in Hartlepool, at 6pm on Friday, after flames were spotted.

They used a powder spray to control the fire, but allowing it to burn out, to prevent gas from escaping. Transco engineers then sealed the main.

Fire brigade station officer Les Love said: "There was no danger to anyone in the area. Thank goodness this type of incident is uncommon.