'You can't break us' vow diner bosses after fire at new premises months after last shop destroyed in arson attack

Corey Longstaff joined forces with Vicki Hutchinson to set up CL's Diner in Eden Street, Horden, after Corey’s original shop in Middle Street, Blackhall, was targeted on July 17.

But late last night, Tuesday, November 17, just weeks after C & V’s Diner launched, a fire broke out at the shop.

Fire crews spent 90 minutes at the scene bringing the fire under control and managing the aftermath of the blaze.

An investigation is underway to establish the cause of the blaze and police have increased patrols in the area.Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Lawrence, of Durham Constabulary, said: “We were called to reports of a fire at business premise on Fifth Street, Horden, at about 10pm on Tuesday evening. No-one was injured.

“Our enquiries are ongoing. In the meantime, we have increased the number of patrols in the area.”

The cafe had been offering takeaways and deliveries during the latest lockdown.

In messages posted on Facebook, Corey said: “Yes, I can’t believe I’m writing this but it’s happened again sorry everyone but we will be closed until further notice.”

A note posted on the business page vowed: “You might burn us out but you can’t break us.

“We will be back again.”

It is now the third time Corey’s venture has suffered a setback, after he arrived to open his original shop on Tuesday, May 19, to find it had been broken into and fire extinguishers let off inside, having only opened the business weeks earlier.

Corey teamed up with Vicky to relaunch his diner after the community rallied round to raise funds to help him rebuild his business following the July attack.

A County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said today: “Reports of a fire in a business premises on Eden Street, Horden, came into our control room at 9.59pm on Tuesday, November 17.

"Two crews from Peterlee attended the scene together with our colleagues from Durham Police.

"Crews worked hard to extinguish the fire and left the scene at 11.30pm.

“An investigation will now be carried out into the cause of the fire.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the force on 101, quoting incident reference 412 of November 17, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can subscribe to this website and enjoy unlimited access to local news, information and puzzles online. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Simply click ‘Subscribe’ in the menu.