Arson inquiry launched after firefighters battle Washington flat blaze inside high rise

An arson investigation has been launched after a high rise flat blaze which saw six firefighters sent in to bring it under control.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service were called to Collingwood Court in Sulgrave, Washington, at around 10pm yesterday, Monday, December 28, following reports of a blaze.

It sent four crews, from Washington, Gateshead, Marley Park and Birtley, to the scene alongside an aerial ladder platform from Gosforth, with two officers also helping to support the teams.

Read More
'Help is here' say mental health services across Sunderland as pandemic puts peo...
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were sent into the maisonette, with a jet and two hose reels used to put out the fire.

They also used a fan to clear the property of smoke and a thermal imaging camera to ensure the blaze was fully extinguished.

The first call made to the service said someone might still be inside the flat, but a check ensured no one was inside the home at the time of the fire.

Today, Tuesday, December 28, Northumbria Police confirmed the incident is being treated as a suspected arson attack.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service tackled a flat fire in Collingwood Court, Sulgrave.Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service tackled a flat fire in Collingwood Court, Sulgrave.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service tackled a flat fire in Collingwood Court, Sulgrave.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A force spokesperson said: "Shortly after 10.20pm yesterday, we were alerted a fire inside an address on Collingwood Court, Sulgrave, Washington.

“Emergency services attended the scene and no one was found inside the property.

“An investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire, which police are treating as suspected arson.

An arson inquiry is now under way following the fire in a maisonette in Collingwood Court, Sulgrave.An arson inquiry is now under way following the fire in a maisonette in Collingwood Court, Sulgrave.
An arson inquiry is now under way following the fire in a maisonette in Collingwood Court, Sulgrave.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log 852 281220."

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today.

Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day.

With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.