SIX people have been rushed to hospital with homes evacuated after a suspected arson attack.
Emergency services scrambled to the scene just after 4am this morning after reports of a fire inside a property on Chatsworth Court, in South Shields.
Fire crews extinguished the blaze and a number of neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution.
Six people were hospitalised but their injuries were not deemed to be life-threatening.
A joint investigation between Northumbria Police and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) is underway, with the cause of the blaze being treated as suspected arson.
Devastating pictures taken in the aftermath show the property torn apart by the blaze.
Cops are now leading an investigation in relation to the suspected arson have urged members of the public to come forward with information.
Northumbria Police have confirmed that South Tyneside Council is supporting residents who continue to be affected by the fire.
Officers remain in the area of the incident to carry out inquiries and to offer reassurance to residents.
Anyone with information is asked to get in touch with Northumbria Police by sending a private message on social media, visiting the live chat on their website or by completing a crime update form, quoting reference: NP-20240711-0129.
