Overview

• Cleveland Police arrested a 52-year-old man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and he is being questioned in custody.
• Emergency services were called shortly before 9pm on Friday, with four fire engines on scene around 9pm in the Gresham area of Middlesbrough.
• Firefighters used breathing apparatus, hose reel jets, a thermal imaging camera and a positive pressure ventilation fan to control the blaze.
• Cleveland Fire Brigade reported 100% fire damage across the downstairs and 100% smoke damage, with photos showing scorch marks up the front of the house.
• A cordon was put in place and a police presence remained on Saturday morning, with reports differing on the time crews stood down.