ARSONISTS torched a disused office building causing a road to be closed for most of the day.
Police were today investigating the arson attack on a former recruitment consultants' office in Marsh Parade, Newcastle.
It was set alight at just after midnight yesterday. Firefighters from four stations were drafted in to tackle the blaze, which has left the building structurally unsafe.
Marsh Parade was sealed off between Hassell Street and Castle Street until mid-afternoon.
The property was on the market, advertised as a potential residential or commercial development.
Newcastle-based letting agent Rory Mack Associates confirmed its private owners have been informed.
Workers at Tinsdills Solicitors, based opposite the crime scene, were allowed into their building.
Newcastle station manager Andy Kinsman said: "The main fire was extinguished in the early hours, but crews remained on scene to monitor hot spots.
"A building inspector has been in attendance, as the fire has left the building structurally unsafe.
"The incident has now been passed on to the police to continue with their investigations."
Simon Arthur, aged 32, of Castle Street, was woken by the sound of fire crews tackling the fire at about 1am.
He said: "It really was a bad fire. I woke up and heard the drama so I went into my bathroom, which backs on to it, and I could actually feel the heat from the flames.
"It was a massive fire, a nasty one, the flames were up through the roof.
"I heard the roof collapsing, a big splitting noise.
"It's quite scary to be honest because it was so close, the fire could easily have spread further.
"As far as I know the building used to be offices but they haven't been used for a good few years."
Simon Wright, 25, also of Castle Street, was also woken by the commotion.
He said: "It was really bad, I went to my window to have a look at what was going on out there.
"I came out to have a look and ask the police what was happening, but they said they didn't know.
"The road was blocked off and it seemed very serious."
"I was woken up by the fire fighters."
A Staffordshire Police spokesman confirmed the fire is being treated as arson and that an investigation is now underway.
He added: "Police patrols attended to assist as there was a number of people in the area.
"Gas and electric companies were also called out together with a building inspector."
Witnesses are asked to contact 0300 123 4455 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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