Seaside church destroyed by fire in Whitley Bay
Residents are forced to leave their homes after a fire breaks out at a church in the seaside town of Whitley Bay.
Monday 8 May 2017 02:38, UK
Forty firefighters fought to save a disused church in Whitley Bay in Tyne and Wear after a huge fire ripped though the building.
The fire at the Trinity United Reform Church on the Esplanade broke out just after 8pm on Saturday and forced the evacuation of nearby residents.
The Esplanade and Whitley Road were closed, with The Esplanade remaining closed into Sunday afternoon.
The church was thought to have been empty when the fire began and police have confirmed that nobody has been hurt.
A spokeswoman for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said a number of fire engines were at the scene along with four specialist officers.
The team of firefighters tackled the fire, armed with six pumps and two aerial appliances.
They were able to bring the blaze under control at around midnight.
Cordons will remain in place while police investigate the extent of any structural damage.
The cause is not yet clear and will be investigated after the fire has been put out, police have said.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or the police on 101 and quote log 1028 06/05/17.