Probe into the cause of big blaze at club

Pictures from the scene show the damage to the Sportsman Club following a devastating blaze in Horden.

Emergency services attended the scene in Second Street, Horden, and the building – which includes a club and a house – was taped off by fire crews and police yesterday morning.

An investigation is now ongoing to determine the cause of the blaze.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “Police received reports of a fire at the Sportsman Club on Second Street, Horden, around 2.20am on Friday, April 9.

“Appliances from County Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue Service attended the scene to control the fire, which caused significant damage to the building.

“No occupants were inside the building at the time, and no members of the public were injured.

“An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the fire.

Fire crews from Seaham, Peterlee and Wheatley Hill along with the aerial ladder platform attended and worked throughout the morning to tackle the fire which mainly affected the roof of the building.

Pictures taken at the scene show the scale of the damage to the roof following the blaze.

A spokeswoman for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) said: “Fortunately there was no one inside the building. Crews have been on scene throughout Friday to ensure the building is safe and inquiries are ongoing into the cause of the fire."