Teens arrested after suspected arson in Gosforth in disused care home

An investigation has been launched, with the support of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), after a report of a fire at a disused care home on Hollywood Avenue shortly after 6.30pm, on Wednesday, August 17.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze and there were no injuries, however, the area has been cordoned off until the building can be made safe again.

The firefighters have been praised for saving lives, as they prevented the fire from spreading to a nearby residential street. The fire service arrived within five minutes, and quickly battled the fire that was quickly spreading through the three-storey disused care home.

Group Manager Steve Burdis, who oversaw the response to the fire, said: “Our first crews were on scene in just five minutes to get the blaze under control and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring residential and commercial properties.

“In total five appliances, as well as our specialist Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) vehicle, were in attendance and were eventually able to extinguish the fire.

“Thankfully, nobody was reported to have been injured but a cordon remains in the area until the building can be deemed structurally safe.

“The roof of the building in particular is unstable and we would ask the public to respect the cordon and avoid approaching the building in question.

“I want to say a huge well done to our Fire Control staff for their initial response, and to the crews from Gosforth, Newcastle Central, Byker, West Denton and Marley Park who attended the blaze.”

Enquiries are ongoing to find those responsible and four teenagers were arrested in connection with the fire, but have since been released under investigation.

Investigating officers are appealing to anyone with information, or who was in the area at the time, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting reference number NP-20220817-0845. You can also report information anonymously by contacting the independent charity Firestoppers on 0800 169 5558.