Officers in Hartlepool Applaud Members of the Public Following Fire

Police on mobile patrol on 23rd June were flagged down by several people who had seen smoke billowing from an attic window of a property in York Road in the town.

Officers quickly forced entry and found that the fire in the loft area of the three storey home was generating a lot of heat and smoke. The owner of the property, a 58 year-old male, was checked by paramedics at the scene for the effects of smoke inhalation.

Concerned that the fire would quickly spread and for the safety of nearby residents the adjacent properties were evacuated and a road closure was enforced by officers.

Acting Police Sergeant Dave Carter said: “There is no doubt that a combination of the actions of the members of the public and the prompt response of the Emergency Services contributed to preventing a major incident, which could have had far-reaching consequences.

“This is another example of our close working relationship with members of the community to provide us with intelligence so that resources are deployed and utilised effectively.”

The cause of the fire is not believed to be suspicious.