Church fire believed to be deliberate

A blaze in a derelict church is believed to have been started deliberately, a fire service has said.

Cleveland Fire Brigade was called to the old bail house in Middlesbrough Road, South Bank, at about 18:30 BST on Thursday.

Three fire engines were involved and firefighters left the scene at about 22:30 BST.

"The cause is believed to be deliberate, however investigations will take place as per our usual procedure," a spokesman said.

The fire service said the the Grade II listed building was inspected on Friday and there were no signs of a remaining fire.

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