A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire destroyed a former library in Billingham. Cleveland Fire Brigade crews were called to the old library, at the back of Billingham Health Centre in Queensway, on Tuesday at approximately 18:20 BST.
A spokesperson for the fire service confirmed that everyone was accounted for, but the derelict building sustained "100% damage". Cleveland Police stated that a boy had been taken into custody, and emergency services remained at the site conducting investigations.
Eight fire engines from seven stations attended the scene. Images from Tuesday showed the building well alight, and subsequent images depicted a structure ravaged by flames with charred debris inside. Cleveland Police reported on Wednesday afternoon that surrounding roads had reopened.
Insp Barnes noted that the fire caused "significant disruption" for "the public, shops and businesses in the area" and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.