There have been 110 reported fires in Grangetown, Middlesbrough, since April, according to the fire brigade.

Grangetown station manager, Tony Churchill, said vandals are being drawn to derelict buildings in the town.

Redcar and Cleveland council said individual problems are causing delays to the demolitions.

Tony Churchill said: "It is a massive strain. If you think of Grangetown fire station as two appliances, we cover a large area.

Family relocation

"While we are attending small fires in one area we can't possibly respond to a house fire with people in it.

"The last couple of months have been particularly bad, as more properties have become empty and attracted more vandals."

Councillor Chris Abbott, cabinet member for housing and neighbourhood renewal at Redcar and Cleveland Council said: "There are five families still waiting to be relocated, but there are difficulties surrounding each case.

"As soon as these are resolved, and the families have moved out, we can start the demolition."