Police believe the fire which ripped through a former Catholic Church site on Easter Sunday was arson.
Five fire crews were called to the derelict former Saint Mary Presbytery building, on South Hetton Road, Easington Lane, at 10.20pm.
It is understood the building had been previously owned by the Catholic Church, but had recently been sold.
The building was severely damaged by fire and damaged throughout by smoke.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but is being treated as deliberate.
A police spokeswoman said: “Shortly before 10.45pm on Sunday, April 12, we received a request for assistance from Tyne and Wear Fire Rescue Service (TWFRS) who were dealing with an incident on South Hetton Road.
“Officers attended and helped secure the scene and initial enquiries were carried out into the cause of the fire, which is being treated as suspected malicious ignition.
“Inquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact us via our website using the Tell Us Something page, quoting reference 1164 120420.”
