Simpson Street School fire 'likely to have been started deliberately' fire service say as police investigation launched

The roof of the Grade II-listed building in the Deptford area of Sunderland was severely damaged by the fire which started at about 6pm on Tuesday, January 28.

Five crews from across Sunderland and Gateshead were called to the now derelict building at 6.19pm and battled the fire for more than five hours, before leaving the scene at 11.32pm.

Firefighters used four jets, an aerial ladder platform and thermal-imaging cameras, to bring the fire under control.

Two engines from Farringdon, one engine from Sunderland Central, one engine from Marley Park and one engine from Gateshead, worked together to put out the fire.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that no one was injured in the blaze but said 30% of the building, including the roof has been severely damaged by fire.

The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, but the fire service has said that ‘likely to have been started deliberately.’

A fire service spokeswoman confirmed that that they are supporting the police in their investigations into the fire.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "Shortly before 6.30pm yesterday we were alerted by the fire brigade to a fire at a derelict building off Deptford Terrace in Sunderland.

"Emergency services attended and the fire was extinguished.

"Nobody was injured, but the road was closed for a number of hours as crews battled the blaze.

"Inquiries are ongoing with the fire service to determine the cause of the fire."

During the blaze Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service advised members of the public to stay clear of the area while crews worked to extinguish the fire and urged residents to keep their windows and doors closed.

On Wednesday morning, January 29, the fire service confirmed that crews secured the building before leaving but did not cordon it off as a fence already surrounds the site.