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Fire at garden centre in Kibblesworth

Northumbria Police

1 May 2011


Police are appealing for witnesses following a fire at a garden centre in Gateshead.
At 5.40am this morning, Sunday May 1, police received a report of a fire at Silverhills Nursery in Haggs Lane, Kibblesworth.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service attended to put the fire out. It's not known how it was started but officers believe it may have been started deliberately and are treating it as arson.
Officers investigating the fire are keen to speak to a group of youths who may have been camping nearby.
There was no-one in the centre at the time and no-one was injured. It's estimated around £30,000 worth of damage has been caused to metal containers and equipment at the site.
T/Chief Inspector Scott Hall, of Gateshead Area Command, said: "We believe there was a group of youths camping in the woods near to the garden centre and would like them, or any parents who know their children were camping in the area last night, to contact us.
"Luckily no-one was injured in the fire, but it has caused considerable damage to some of the cabins in the centre as well as tools and equipment."
Anyone with any information should contact Northumbria Police on 03456 043 043 ext 69191. Or alternatively Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.