Emergency services remain at scene of large Hartlepool fire
It's at the site of the old Odeon cinema
Last updated 6th Oct 2024
Officers remain at the scene of a large fire at the disused Odeon building on Dent Street in Hartlepool alongside colleagues from Cleveland Fire Brigade and Hartlepool Borough Council.
Road closures remain in place on York Road, Hart Lane and Raby Road and these are expected to stay closed for some time whilst the incident is dealt with.
A number of properties on Joicey Court have been evacuated and Cleveland Police are continuing to work with housing agencies in relation to this.
There are currently no reports of any injuries. Residents are urged to avoid the area.
Officers would like to thank everyone for their patience and co-operation while emergency services work together to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.
Cleveland Fire Brigade and Cleveland Police were called out to the scene at around 11pm
Fire engines from Billingham, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Stockton were sent to the scene.
Hartlepool Council announced that the former cinema was on their register of problematic empty sites last year, but said the process is "hugely complex" due to its status as a listed building.
The 1930s Grade II Listed building closed as a cinema in 1981 and has remained unused for around 20 years, after a brief time spend being used as a nightclub.