An investigation has been launched after coaches were destroyed in a suspected arson attack in Seaton Burn.
Dramatic images show several coaches completely burnt-out with just their shells remaining following a large blaze at the North East Coach Travel depot on Front Street on Wednesday night (September 14). Police were called to the scene at around 9.30pm and around 20 firefighters from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service tackled the fire.
Thankfully, no one was injured in the blaze but Northumbria Police have confirmed that they are treating the incident as a suspected arson. The force has launched an investigation to find those responsible for setting the coaches on fire.
READ MORE: Video shows flames raging at Seaton Burn as crews tackle coaches on fire
A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “At about 9.30pm yesterday (Wednesday) we were alerted by the fire service to a blaze in the Front Street area of Seaton Burn. It was reported that a number of coaches parked in a depot had been set on fire.
"Thankfully, nobody was injured and the fire was extinguished by emergency services. An investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the fire and enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible.
"At present, officers are treating the fire as suspected arson."
Officers are appealing for anyone with information to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20220914-1128.
A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman confirmed five appliances attended, one of which was from Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service.
She said: "At around 9.15pm last night we received a call about a fire at a coach compound in Seaton Burn. Five appliances from across Tyne and Wear and one from Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service were on the scene in a matter of minutes to begin bringing the blaze under control.
"Upon arrival, it was clear that a number of coaches were on fire in the compound. The fire was extinguished and our crews left the scene at 10.33pm.
"Thankfully, no one was injured and today we are supporting Northumbria Police with their investigation into the fire."
ChronicleLive has approached North East Coach Travel for comment.
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