Troops tackle bingo hall fire

The fire is being treated as arson by army officials

Green Goddess crews on Teesside have had to deal with their second major arson attack in a matter of days.

A former bingo hall in Stockton has been destroyed by fire, despite the efforts of more than 50 soldiers and emergency service personnel.

Eight fire appliances staffed by the military fought the fire at the disused Mecca bingo hall after the alarm was raised at about 1600 GMT on Thursday.

On 26 November the nearby Oscar's nightclub was gutted in a separate arson attack.

Arson condemned

Ambulance crews and the Cleveland Police helicopter also attended the Mecca blaze.

Workers from Stockton Borough Council and Northumbrian Water provided help in the major operation to stop the flames spreading.

No-one was injured and police said it was an "excellent example" of the emergency services working with the military.

Cleveland Police were today investigating how the fire started.

Military officials have condemned the number of arson attacks across the north of England, many of which have been blamed on children.