Newcastle club fire blamed on arsonists

A blaze which tore through a former nightclub near to the quayside in Newcastle is now being treated as an arson attack according to fire investigators who are working with police.

Around 18 firefighters were called to the scene at the derelict Stereo club in Sandgate last Sunday evening at around 5.45pm.

The fire was found to be present at two locations on the empty premises, with furnishings having been set alight on the second storey as well as the ground floor.

As the fire was being brought under control, a number of roads in the area had to be closed for a few hours. This included parts of City Road and Mill Market.

There were no injuries in the blaze, but those investigating the scene have admitted that it was looking like the fire was started deliberately.

A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said:

“The cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate and police scenes of crime officers are currently investigating”.

The club building, which has been unoccupied for a number of years now, was badly damaged by the severity of the flames, with the roof and second storey totally destroyed.

The investigation is still on-going.