Evacuation as crews fight huge blaze
Terrified elderly residents had to be evacuated from their homes after a huge blaze at a block of three houses being built in Roker.
The fire, which the Grantham Road development’s owner believes was started deliberately, broke out shortly after 11pm on Monday night.
Police have confirmed an investigation is under way to establish the cause of the blaze.
Flats just yards away in Ashdale Court were evacuated as a precaution while crews from Marley PArk and Sunderland Central fire stations fought the fire.
Resident Denise Coulson said: “It was a big shock and we had to be evacuated straight away. We were all standing outside and it was terrible.
“We had to help a lot of elderly people out. Some were terrified.”
Denise, 57, said: “The pobeen lice and fire brigade were brilliant at getting people out. One of the ladies living next door said she saw some kids around the house so maybe that’s how it was started.
“That area used to be a spray garage and there were always fires being started so people were glad it got pulled down.
“We thought things would be a lot better but now this has happened.”
The owner, who did not want to be named, said: “There were no electrics or gas on site so it must have started on purpose.
“I just wonder what it is that people get out of doing this. “I’m gutted.” A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “Fortunatelythehouseiscurrently unoccupied and no one was in the address at the time.
“Inquiries are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 and quote reference number 1312 26/03/18, or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”