Ex-community centre inferno treated as arson
A FIRE that broke out at a former community centre in Walker is being treated as arson, police confirmed.
Emergency services were called to the former Allendale Community Centre on Allendale Road in Walker on Saturday morning shortly after 7.30am.
Both Northumbria Police and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service attended the fire, with police closing off the road.
Neighbours and passers-by were urged to avoid the area while the fire was tackled by seven fire engines on the scene, but no one was hurt.
Officers have since confirmed that they believe the blaze was started deliberately and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 7.30am on Saturday we received a report of a fire at a premises on Allendale Road, Walker.
“Officers attended the scene alongside crews from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) and a cordon was put in place. No one was
injured in the incident but an investigation was launched, and at this stage, it is believed the blaze was started deliberately.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 101 or using the tell us something page, quoting log 188 170421.”
Photos from the scene showed the extensive damage caused to the roof of the building, with several smashed windows.
A spokesperson for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “Seven pumping appliances, one aerial ladder, one command unit and four officers dealt with this incident at its height.”
Plumes of smoke could be seen filling the air as parts of the road were closed off from the public as firefighters tackled the blaze.
A local resident who did not want to be named described the scene and said: “I saw the smoke at about 7am while watering my garden.
“I watched it for 30 seconds or so to see where it looked like it was coming from, went back inside to grab a phone and called the fire brigade.
“The smoke was getting worse and the appliance pulled up as I was calling.”