A popular social club has been forced to close after a blaze broke out in the early hours of New Year’s Day – which police are treating as arson.
Emergency Services attended Cleadon and District Social Club, in South Shields, after a fire started in the bar area, causing extensive damage. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service sent three appliances when they got the call at 1.39am and quickly put out the flames.
Northumbria Police have confirmed that the fire is being treated as arson. A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “Shortly before 3am on Wednesday, we received a report from the fire service of a fire at a premises on Fulwell Avenue in South Shields.
“Emergency services attended and the fire was extinguished a short time later. No-one is reported to have been injured in the incident.
“An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway and is being treated as suspected arson.”
A spokesperson for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “We attended a building fire on Fulwell Avenue, in South Shields.
“We took the call at 1.39am (on January 1) and had three pumps in attendance.” It is believed the bar was shut at the time and nobody was injured.
A few hours later, the social club posted a status on their Facebook page saying they’d be closed until further notice. Many customers also posted about their shock and upset at the news.
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One wrote: “Lets hope this was an accident and repairs can be made quickly. Great club, great people.” Meanwhile, another posted: “Terrible news. Nice club. Good bands. Hope it’s up and running again ASAP.”
Another added: “OMG gutted. Just glad no one was hurt. Hope it’s up and running soon.”
Northumbria Police appealed for information, saying: “Anyone with information should send us a direct message on social media, use the live chat function our website or go to https://www.northumbria.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/.
“For those unable to contact us via those ways, call 101. Please quote crime reference number 000073S/25.”