Firefighters rushed to Walkergate on Friday night after a van was set on fire.
Crews from Byker were called to the scene of the blaze on Moorland Crescent at about 9.50pm.
The fire was extinguished shortly after they arrived and they left the area at about 10.30pm.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police confirmed that the incident was being treated as arson.
They said: "We can confirm that there was an incident in the Moorland Crescent area at about 9.50pm.
"A van was set on fire. There have been no arrests made and inquiries are ongoing."
Resident Liam Russell, who saw the incident and recorded video footage, said the fire was extinguished by 9.56pm.
He added: "The police have asked neighbours for any CCTV. The police and firefighters have been back this morning looking at the van."
A spokesperson for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they received the report of a van on fire in the area at 9.48pm.
