Yahoo News 'Suspicious' fire probe underway after pick-up truck blaze spreads to property causing 80% damage
Cleveland Police are investigating a “suspicious” fire which left a property damaged and a pick-up truck burnt out.
Emergency services were called to Letch Lane in Stockton just after 5am on Tuesday. A vehicle fire spread to a property causing 80% damage to the home - with holes in the roof visible from the road.
Pictures from the scene show the internal structure of the home through the larger hole in the roof directly above the front door. There is a second hole in the roof of the home with several tiles missing.
There is also a number of building supplies on the driveway of the home including a cement mixer and a skip. A pick-up truck, parked on the road outside the property, has been burnt out during the incident.
The silver vehicle, believed to be a Ford truck, has damage to the front bumper and all windows have been smashed. A Cleveland Police vehicle is also parked outside the property.
Blue and white tape has been placed around the burnt out vehicle and across the front of the home. One police officer guards the scene.
The homeowner was also at the scene speaking with police officers on Tuesday morning. He stated that he didn't know what had happened and had only arrived at 8.15am.
Cleveland Police has confirmed that the blaze is being treated as "suspicious" and an investigation is underway. A spokesperson said: "Just before 5.10am today our fire brigade colleagues notified us they were dealing with a fire on Letch Lane, Stockton, and they requested police to assist with a road closure.
“There are no reports of any injuries and the road was reopened just before 7.30am. The fire is currently being treated as suspicious and enquiries are underway.
“We would appeal for anyone with information, doorbell/dashcam or CCTV footage which could assist to contact Cleveland Police on the 101 number quoting ref 160281. If you don’t want to speak to police you can pass information anonymously to www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phoning 0800 555 111.”
A fire spokesperson said: “Cleveland Fire Brigade were called on August 20, 2024, at 4.58am to an incident on Letch Lane, Carlton Stockton. Vehicle fire that had spread to house. Four fire engines were in attendance from Stockton.
"Seven Breathing Apparatus (BA), two Hose Reels(HR), two jets and Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) were used. 100% fire damage to car and 80% fire damage to property. We left the scene at 7.28am. Investigations ongoing as per our usual procedure."
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