A devastating fire which destroyed the former Billingham Library is believed to have been started deliberately, the fire service has confirmed.
Cleveland Fire Brigade has revealed the derelict building sustained 100 per cent fire damage in the blaze on Queensway on Tuesday evening (October 6).
Eight fire engines were sent to the scene after the brigade received the call at 6.18pm, with crews from Billingham, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Thornaby and Hartlepool tackling the flames.
A devastating fire which destroyed the former Billingham Library (Image: SUBMIT)
They were supported by a hydraulic platform from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service.
Firefighters can be seen directing jets of water at the flames, while police vehicles blocked roads around the scene.
A devastating fire which destroyed the former Billingham Library (Image: SUBMIT)
Cleveland Fire Brigade has now said the cause of the blaze is believed to be deliberate and the incident has been handed over to Cleveland Police for further investigation.
A spokesperson for Cleveland Fire Brigade said: "Cleveland Fire Brigade were called on Tuesday at 6.16pm to an incident at Queensway in Billingham.
"Eight fire appliances were in attendance from Billingham, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Thornaby and Hartlepool, supported by a hydraulic platform from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service.
A devastating fire which destroyed the former Billingham Library (Image: SUBMIT)
"Derelict building fire (former library). All persons accounted for. The building sustained 100% fire damage.
"The cause is believed to be deliberate and has been handed over to Cleveland Police for further investigation.
"Crews will be returning to the site this morning for further assessment."
At the height of the incident, Cleveland Police urged residents to avoid the area, with road closures introduced at Causeway and Kingsway.
People living nearby were also advised to keep their doors and windows closed.
A devastating fire which destroyed the former Billingham Library (Image: SUBMIT)
By Wednesday morning (October 7), the majority of the road closures surrounding the former library had been lifted.
Police warned, however, that some disruption was still possible while emergency services remained at the scene.
Earlier on Wednesday, one fire appliance remained in attendance as firefighters carried out damping-down operations and checked the remains of the building for hotspots which could cause the fire to reignite.
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Cleveland Fire Brigade has now said crews will return to the site during the morning to carry out a further assessment.
Nobody is understood to have been injured, with the fire service confirming all people were accounted for.
Cleveland Police is investigating the suspected deliberate fire.
Whilst the surrounding roads have since reopened, a cordon remains in place as officers and firefighters investigate the large blaze that took place at around 6:30pm.
Inspector Barnes of Stockton CID said: “At the moment the fire is being treated as arson, and we are working closely with our colleagues at Cleveland Fire Brigade to establish what happened.
“We are currently reviewing CCTV in the area and speaking to witnesses who have come forward with information.
“We know this incident has caused concern in the community, and has also caused significant disruption the public, shops and businesses in the area, and would urge anyone with information to come forward.”
"If you have information about the fire and haven’t yet come forward to speak to us, please call us on 101 quoting reference SE26200575. You can also provide information online at www.cleveland.police.uk .
"Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.