Arson investigation launched in Wallsend as pictures show aftermath of allotment fire

An arson investigation is under way amid fears a Wallsend allotment was torched.

Police are probing a blaze at the allotments on West Street on Saturday.

Fire engines extinguished the flames. However, the damage was extensive.

Pictures taken on Monday morning show the windows blown out from one badly scorched wooden shed.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At about 1.20pm on Saturday (July 11) we received a report of a fire at an allotment on West Street, Wallsend.

“Emergency services attended and extinguished the fire. Enquiries are ongoing into the cause of the blaze, which is currently being treated as suspected arson.

It is the latest in a series of recent fires at allotments across the North East.

The scene after an arson attack at allotments on West Street in Wallsend (Newcastle Chronicle)

In June, Sunderland fire crews spent hours extinguishing the flames at Fulwell Mill Allotments in a "devastating" fire which tragically killed 250 birds.

And Gateshead pensioner Ronald Bryant was left "heartbroken" after a separate fire killed his beloved birds.

And the latest blaze occurred on what a busy day for fire crews across Tyneside.

Tyne and Wear Fire Rescue Service tweeted on Saturday that they had been called to a garden fire and another involving a motorbike.

The scene after an arson attack at allotments on West Street in Wallsend (Newcastle Chronicle)

They had also had to rescue a child "who had their arm stuck in a banister".

Anyone with information about Saturday's fire is asked to contact the police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on the force website or by ringing 101 quoting log 582 110720.