Three in hospital after suspected arson in North Shields

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Emergency services at the scene
Image caption,

A cordon was put in place around the house

Three people have been taken to hospital following a house fire which is being treated as arson.

The blaze at the home on Vicarage Street in North Shields was reported shortly before 03:45 GMT.

Fire crews extinguished the flames quickly and the trio managed to escape the property but they had suffered serious injuries.

A number of other homes were also evacuated and a cordon is expected to remain in place for some time.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police both attended the scene.

A joint investigation has been launched and the blaze is being treated as a suspected arson.

Waterville Road is closed between the junction with Howden Road and Cardonnel Street and is expected to remain in place for some time, police said.

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