Police are investigating after Dunston Staiths, a Grade II listed structure in Gateshead, near Newcastle, was engulfed by flames in the early hours on Saturday. Pictures show the towering structure, and once-proud symbol of the county's coal industry, swallowed by huge orange flames. The landmark then became a visitor attraction, and was also used to host public events such as markets. Andrew Smith, from the Friends of the Staiths group, says he watched through the night as the fire crews fought against the flames. Detective Inspector Andy Gimza said: "This fire has caused a significant amount of damage to this historic monument.

Source: Daily Mirror May 17, 2020 06:12 UTC