Newcastle arson arrest after serious fire at Henderson Old Hall

A person has been arrested on suspicion of arson as a fire destroyed a Grade-II listed former halls of residence.

More than 50 firefighters tackled the blaze at Henderson Old Hall, Heaton, Newcastle, at about 14:15 BST on Thursday.

It took crews several hours to finally bring the fire under control.

The former Newcastle University halls of residence had been vacant at the time, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) said.

Nearby residents and businesses were urged to keep their windows and doors shut as firefighters dealt with the blaze.

Damping down continues at the site after the fire was brought under control

TWFRS said the area had been cordoned off and it would keep a presence at the scene.

Area manager Dave Leach said crews had worked through the night to damp down the building.

"This is the largest fire we have seen in some time and it has been a very protracted response for everyone involved," he said.

"It was a fast-acting fire that has been challenging to keep under control but we are confident that it has now been extinguished thanks to the hard work of our firefighters."

Northumbria Police said the arrested male had since been released on bail and urged anyone with information about the blaze to get in touch.

"We are all saddened by the fire at Henderson Old Hall," said a spokesperson for Newcastle University, which still owns the building.

"Although it had been empty for a few years, many of our past students have fond memories of their time there since it was first opened as a residential block in 1932."