Two released under investigation after death of man in suspected arson at former care home

Two men have been released under investigation after being questioned on suspicion of murder after the death of a man in a blaze.
Police outside the former Manor House Care Home.Police outside the former Manor House Care Home.
Police outside the former Manor House Care Home.

Northumbria Police has confirmed a murder inquiry has been launched following the death of the 39-year-old in the early hours of Saturday morning at the former Manor House Care Home in Easington Lane.

Now officers are urging people with information to make contact with investigators as they begin to piece together what happened in the lead up to the tragedy.

Police outside the former Manor House Care Home.Police outside the former Manor House Care Home.
Police outside the former Manor House Care Home.
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The victim has not yet been named, with police working to trace his family.

Men aged 23 and 35 were arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation and have now been released under investigation.

A 41-year-old man has appeared in court charged with burglary, affray, assaulting a police constable, possession of an offensive weapon and four counts of criminal damage after the incident on Wednesday night.

A specialist search team was at the property yesterday afternoon.A specialist search team was at the property yesterday afternoon.
A specialist search team was at the property yesterday afternoon.
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Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue attended the scene and brought a number of residents to safety.

The unconscious 39-year-old was pulled from the building, but was pronounced dead a short time later, despite the efforts of firefighters and paramedics to save him.

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Police tape has been used to seal off the property.Police tape has been used to seal off the property.
Police tape has been used to seal off the property.

Detective Inspector Dave English said previously: “This incident has sadly resulted in the death of a 39-year-old man.

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"We have two suspects currently in custody but we still need help from the public so we can establish exactly what has happened.

"Anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area needs to get in touch with us as they could assist the investigation.

"We would urge you to come forward.”

Today, the fire service has confirmed it was called to the property at 2.43am and left the scene just before 4am.

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Six crews of four firefighters were sent from fire stations at Sunderland Central, Farringdon, West Denton, Gosforth and South Shields.

The officers used hoses, breathing apparatus, thermal image cameras and positive pressure ventilation fan to clear the large building of fumes.

The blaze caused severe fire damage on the ground floor, with light smoke damage to the first and second floors.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting log 146 031118 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.