Odeon Cinema fire: 15-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of arson in Hartlepool

On Saturday (Oct 5), after 11pm, emergency services were called to a disused building on Raby Road, in Hartlepool, due to reports of a fire.

The building was the former Odeon Cinema and could be seen with smoke billowing from it, completely ablaze.

Cleveland Police put closures in place on several roads around the area. A number of houses in nearby Joicey Court had to be evacuated.

As of Sunday (Oct 6) afternoon, police officers remained at the scene.

Cleveland Police said: “There are currently no reports of any injuries. Residents are urged to avoid the area.”

On Wednesday (Oct 9), Cleveland Police arrested a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of arson.

However, police said they have not confirmed the fire was started by “deliberate ignition”.

The teenager has since been bailed.

The building remains cordoned off due to significant fire damage and road closures remain in place.

In a statement Cleveland Police said: “Officers from Hartlepool CID are appealing to anyone with information or any footage to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 191629.

“Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.”