Northumbria Police confirm two 13-year-olds arrested following Whitley Bay shopping centre fire
Northumbria Police have confirmed two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of arson after a North Tyneside fire.
The incident, which took place over the weekend, saw Park View Shopping Centre in Whitley Bay evacuated.
This was due to reports of a fire in the third floor toilets of the site on Park Avenue.
Northumbria Police have now confirmed two teenagers were arrested following the incident.
A statement released on the force’s social media pages reads: “Just after 3pm on Sunday, we were informed of a fire in the third floor toilets at Park View.
“The centre was evacuated, with our blue light colleagues at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service arriving to put out the fire a short time later. Thankfully, no-one was reported to have been hurt.
“Our North Tyneside Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) officers got to the scene and quickly obtained CCTV footage showing suspects in the area.
“One officer set off in search and it wasn’t long before he’d located two girls – both aged 13 – nearby.
“Both were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. They have been released on police bail pending further enquiries.”
The statement adds: “This was a great team effort by the local NPT in Whitley Bay to quickly review CCTV and identify suspects following the report.
“Less than two hours later we had two people arrested to be brought in for questioning. Our enquiries remain ongoing.
“Deliberately starting a fire is a very serious offence which can often have huge consequences. Please be aware of the dangers of doing so.”