Three youths have been arrested in connection with a major fire that blew potentially lethal smoke across a town.

Two boys and a girl were arrested in connection to the blaze at the old ICI offices on Bellasis Avenue, Billingham, at teatime last Wednesday.

A total of 14 fire appliances from across the region were called to the scene and clouds of smoke could be seen for miles around after the building caught alight.

Six floors of the ten-story building were on fire and residents were told to keep doors and windows closed because of the threat of potentially deadly asbestos spreading from the site.

Cleveland Police arrested a 12 and a 17-year-old boy on Sunday, and a 14-year-old girl was arrested on Monday.

They were all questioned by detectives and released pending further enquiries.

Police are appealing for anyone with information about the blaze, which caused thousands of pounds worth of damage, to contact Detective Sergeant Lee Rukin on (01642) 302226.