Hebburn fire: Council seeking urgent demolition of derelict Hawthorn Leslie shipyard following another suspected arson attack

South Tyneside Council is looking to demolish the derelict shipyard in Hebburn ‘as a matter of urgency’ after it was targeted in a suspected arson attack.
The council is looking to demolition the site 'as a matter of urgency'The council is looking to demolition the site 'as a matter of urgency'
The council is looking to demolition the site 'as a matter of urgency'

The council has confirmed they have been in contact with the owners of the empty site and called for the building to demolished following the latest blaze.

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This morning police confirmed they are treating the blaze, which is at least the 16th at the property since 2017, as a suspected arson attack.

Firefighers tackled the blaze last nightFirefighers tackled the blaze last night
Firefighers tackled the blaze last night

Now the council says they want the ‘death trap’ building demolished.

A South Tyneside Council spokesman said: "We are seeking to have the building demolished as a matter of urgency and we have advised the owners of this.

"We are examining our legal options should the owner not be forthcoming as to a timescale to demolish this building."

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The former shipyard buildings have been unused since Hawthorn Leslie closed in the 1980s.

Six fire engines were called to the blazeSix fire engines were called to the blaze
Six fire engines were called to the blaze

Over the years it has become a hotspot for anti-social activity and in recent weeks and months has been targeted in a number of arson attacks.

The site was first branded a ‘death trap’ 10 years ago after it became a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.