Derelict Boldon primary school set on fire in suspected arson attack

Officers from South Shields station were called to the former Boldon Primary School site, in Rectory Bank, at about 7.30pm on Sunday.

It is thought that youths have broken their way into the building and set a number of small fires.

Watch manager Ed Cooper said: "A member of the public was walking past with his dog and spotted the fire.

"He phoned the fire service and actually saw some kids walking off.

"We've heard that the building has just been bought and a security firm are looking after it."

Two appliances from the station attended the building and put out the fire.

Watch manager Cooper added that initial investigations suggest the fire was started deliberately.

"With it being a derelict building, the kids have smashed every pane of glass in there," he said.

"The damage is quite bad but this could have been a lot worse."