Three teenage boys have pleaded guilty to arson after a fire ripped through Hartlepool’s historic Wesley Chapel.
The boys, who can’t be named for legal reasons, admitted a charge of arson at Teesside Youth Court, in Middlesbrough, on Wednesday. It follows an blaze, on November 7, last year, which saw emergency crews called to the Grade II-listed building, just off Raby Road and Victoria Road.
According to the Courts and Tribunals Service Centre Crime Team, the youngsters – a 16-year-old and two 15-year-old boys – admitted the arson attack and were granted unconditional bail. The case was adjourned until Wednesday, February 12.
Teesside Live previously reported five fire engines were sent to the scene – with images taken from across the evening showing flames and smoke rising above the scaffolding and roof. An aerial ladder platform was used by emergency crews in a bid to put out the flames, with shocking aerial images also revealing the extent of the huge fire from above.
Footage shows the side of the chapel collapsing as the fire took hold, with bricks and rubble seen pouring onto the street nearby.
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The fire – which is the second to take place at the decades-old building in the last six years – sparked outrage across social media, with many describing the scenes as “so sad” and “shocking.”
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