A fire that ripped through a row of shops was started on purpose, police and fire services said today.
The fire happened on Saturday May 19, in a row of shops in Eaglescliffe, known locally as Orchard Shops. causing extensive damage.
Cleveland Fire Brigade and the Police would like anyone with any information to come forward with any information.
"We are asking people to come forward with any information to this devastating fire; we cannot accept that lives are affected by such malicious acts and the sooner we receive information the better"
– Tony Churchill, District Manager for Stockton, Cleveland Fire and Rescue
Stockton Council has offered to help businesses in Eaglescliffe which were gutted by fire at the weekend. A row of shops - including a laundrette and a take-away - were destroyed in the blaze on Durham Lane in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Fire guts shops at weekend Credit: ITV
The Sainsburys store at the end of the precint re-opened today (Tuesday), though the future of the damaged shops remains unclear.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of a large fire on Teesside.
Five shops have been destroyed in the blaze at Eaglescliffe, which broke out at around 1am this morning. Police say they believe it started at the pizza shop.
Durham Lane is now expected to remain closed until after 2pm.
Local resident, Francesca Fox said it was like "watching people's livelihoods go up in smoke".
A fire has destroyed five shops on Durham Lane in Eaglescliffe, Teesside.
The blaze is now under control but the road is expected to remain closed until around 1pm.
Durham Lane remains closed Credit: ITVFive shops have been destroyed in the fire Credit: ITVThe blaze started at around 1pm Credit: ITVFlats above a nearby supermarket store were evacuated Credit: ITV
Fire has gutted five shops in Durham Lane, Eaglescliffe Credit: ITV
A large fire which has destroyed five shops on Teesside is now under control.
More than 40 firefighters were called to the blaze on Durham Lane, Eaglescliffe at just after 1am this morning.
Five shops including three takeaways, a hairdressers, and a bookmakers were engulfed in the fire.
There had been fears that it could reach a nearby supermarket, and flats above the Sainbury's store were evacuated. However the fire is now under control.
Durham Lane is expected to remain closed until around 1pm as a result.
The blaze started at around 1am this morning Credit: ITV