Arson attack causes £1 million damage to Gateshead concrete yard
Police have now launched a criminal investigation
Police have launched a criminal investigation after arsonists caused nearly £1 million of damage to a concrete yard in Gateshead.
Fire services were called to the blaze at Ezimix in Dunston on Tuesday morning, where they found machinery on fire.
Five concrete wagons, each worth £175,000, were damaged - three beyond repair - and a concrete loading shovel worth £1000,000 was completely destroyed before Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue were able to get the fire under control.
No one was at the site at the time, so there were no injuries.
CCTV footage showed two people had deliberately started the fire and police are now appealing for witnesses.
Detective Inspector Angela Hufton, of Northumbria Police's Central CID said: "This fire has caused a significant amount of damage which has resulted nearly a million pounds worth of damage.
"We do have evidence that the trucks in question were set on fire deliberately and so a criminal investigation has been launched.
"It is believed two men are responsible and our detectives are trying to identify the men and establish a motive behind the arson.
"We are releasing CCTV of the moments the trucks were set on fire in the hope that people recognise just how serious a crime this is.
"If you saw anyone suspicious in the area of the compound on Tuesday, or if you have a family member who was acting suspiciously that evening, then please get in touch.
"Any piece of information, no matter how small, could be the last piece of the puzzle that allows us to establish the facts of this case."
Anyone who has information for police should call 101 quoting log 949 16/01/18 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. You can also email the OIC on 1000@northumbria.pnn.police.uk.