Heartbreak for diner owner after arsonists’ attack
ARSONISTS who torched a newly opened diner have left its owner devastated with his venture in tatters.
Corey Longstaff only launched the cafe in Blackhall Colliery, near Hartlepool, in May but it was targeted just weeks later.
CL’S Diner was set on fire in the early hours of Friday, July 17, with flames and smoke destroying his hard work.
The devastated 22-year-old owner has told of his shock at the extent of the damage which left equipment inside the property unrecognisable.
He said: “When I was finally allowed in, it was totally ruined. Everything had smoke damage and was just black.
“Some of the things inside I couldn’t even recognise what they were. All my staff are out of work too.
“There were flats upstairs but luckily they were empty otherwise someone could have been killed. These people only think of themselves.”
This is not the first time the diner has been targeted by criminals with vandals breaking in and setting off fire extinguishers back in May.
The most recent incident has left Corey with no option but to close the business until further notice while they attempt to recover.
He told how he was first alerted to the fire when he was awoken by a phone call shortly after midnight.
He said: “People were trying to contact me and at about 12.20pm I got a phone call to say the building was on fire.
“I wasn’t allowed inside for two days because the police had cordoned it off so I didn’t know what the damage was like.
“The fire brigade left about 2am but they were called back out because it was still hot inside and it set back on fire.
The diner was popular among the community for serving homemade food including pies and desserts.
Corey added: “We were doing really well, the local community liked what we were doing, it’s just out of jealousy.
“But we’ve had lots of support from the local community which is really nice.”
A fundraising page was set up to help raise £250 to help keep the business afloat – but this was passed in a matter of days.
The Go Fund Me page said: “After already being vandalised, CL’S Diner has been targeted again, this time being burnt out which will take some recovery and cause significant financial loss from having to close its doors until the damage can be repaired.
“Can we spare a little to help keep a local business keep afloat until it can reopen?”
A joint investigation has been launched with Durham Constabulary and Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service with the force confirming they are treating the incident as arson.
A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: “Police were called to reports of a fire at CL’S Diner in Blackhall on (July 17) shortly after 1am.
“It is believed entry was gained to the rear of the cafe by removing the padlock from the secure gate. Once inside, the suspect has then set fire to the building before making off.”
You can visit the Go Fund Me page at https://bit.ly/3jeygkq