No arrests or charges a year on from Sunderland furniture store arson attack

Arsonists who torched a Sunderland furniture store are yet to be brought to justice a year on from the fire.
By Fiona Thompson
Published 28th Jul 2020, 17:19 BST
Updated 28th Jul 2020, 17:23 BST
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Firefighters were called to Home Living, in Ryhope Road, at 12.30am on Sunday, July 28, 2019, after the blaze was started at the front of the large shop.

The heat and flames left a large section of glass shattered, part of the showroom wrecked and other areas of the showroom damaged by smoke, with a mezzanine area also affected by the fire.

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Crews from Sunderland Central and North Moor Community Fire Stations called in for help from Marley Park and Rainton Bridge, with an aerial ladder also drafted in by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to bring the blaze under control.

The scene of the fire at Home and Living, Ryhope, which left inside the store wrecked.The scene of the fire at Home and Living, Ryhope, which left inside the store wrecked.
The scene of the fire at Home and Living, Ryhope, which left inside the store wrecked.

The firefighters remained on the scene until 2am, with fire investigators joining police at the shop as daylight broke and a joint investigation was launched into the cause.

Northumbria Police later confirmed the fire was being treated as a suspected arson attack and appealed for witnesses to get in touch.

In the aftermath of the attack, CCTV was shared by the business as it asked for help to identify people who had been in the building on the night of the fire, which happened on the weekend of Sunderland International Airshow.

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It later emerged its sister store in Longbenton in Newcastle was broken into on the same morning, with a number of items stolen by thieves and another police appeal launched in a bid to trace the suspects.

Northumbria Police outside the shop in the wake of the fire.Northumbria Police outside the shop in the wake of the fire.
Northumbria Police outside the shop in the wake of the fire.

Today, a force spokesperson said: “A full and thorough investigation has been carried out into the cause of the fire, which broke out one year ago.

“As a result of our inquiries, at present, there is insufficient evidence to bring any criminal prosecution.

“Anybody who has any new information about the cause of the fire can contact us via the Tell Us Something page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log 74 280719.”

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Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Substantial damage was caused to the building.Substantial damage was caused to the building.
Substantial damage was caused to the building.

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