Police probe suspected arson attack in South Shields
The blaze, in Morris Avenue, South Shields, happened at about 8.30pm last night, and spread to another bin and a fence.
Police say they believe the fire was started deliberately.
A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "Police are carrying out inquiries after an item in a wheelie bin caught fire, causing damage to the bin, a nearby bin and a fence.
"It is believed the fire was started deliberately.
"The incident is being treated as arson.
"Any witnesses should call Northumbria Police on 101, quoting reference 1016 051216."
The fire comes less than a week after a similar incident in Jarrow.