The cause of a huge fire at a Wallsend tyre yard that led to families being evacuated from their homes was likely to have been deliberate.
An investigation was launched after the blaze at Metro Tyres off Atkinson Terrace broke out at just before 2am on Sunday.
The single-storey building was severely damaged in the fire as gas cylinders exploded and six vehicles inside burnt out.
A spokesperson for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said today that the cause of the fire was thought to have been malicious.
They said: "On Saturday January 5, fire crews from Wallsend, Tynemouth, South Shields, Newcastle Central, West Denton, Byker, Gosforth, Hebburn and Marley Park were all involved in fighting the tyre fire on Hugh Street, Wallsend. We were on scene at 1.44am (only five minutes from the 999 call) and left at 2.14pm.
"The fire affected a 23m x 20m compound containing a 18m x 5m brick building used as workshop garage.
"The compound contained a large quantity of tyres, six vehicles, diesel tank and various workshop items all 100% severely damaged by fire. A garage block sustained 100% severe heat damage both to the internal and external structure.
"The cause of the fire is likely to have been malicious. We are undertaking further investigations with Northumbria Police and the insurance company."
Nobody was injured as a result of the fire but more than 100 people were asked to evacuate their homes during the night.
They stayed at The Anson pub in the town centre until around 8.30am.
