A 14-year-old boy has been arrested after a blaze decimated a former library building in an overnight “arson attack”.
Emergency services were called to the old Billingham Library on Queensway on Tuesday (October 6) after a fire raged through the derelict building.
Eight fire engines were sent to the scene to tackle the blaze at around 6.30pm, with smoke seen billowing across the town as firefighters doused the flames.
Dramatic pictures from the scene showed the huge fire engulfing the building, which Cleveland Fire Brigade has now confirmed was left with 100% damage.
And last night, Cleveland Police confirmed that a 14-year-old boy had been arrested on suspicion of arson and taken into police custody.
Emergency services on the scene of the fire at the former Billingham Library (Image: SUBMIT)
Residents were advised to keep their doors and windows closed at the time, with Causeway and Kingsway both being shut while the fire was tackled.
The roads had reopened by yesterday afternoon.
Inspector Barnes, of Stockton CID, previously 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.
Emergency services on the scene of the fire at the former Billingham Library (Image: SUBMIT)
“We know this incident has caused concern in the community, and has also caused significant disruption to the public, shops and businesses in the area, and would urge anyone with information to come forward.”
A spokesperson for Cleveland Fire Brigade said: "Cleveland Fire Brigade was 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.
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"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.”
If you have information about the fire and haven’t yet spoken to police, please call 101 quoting reference number 200575.