An investigation has been launched after a huge fire tore through a popular North East amusement park on Boxing Day.
Emergency services were called to the Dinosaur Cove attraction at Ocean Beach Pleasure Park in South Shields at around 7pm on Friday. The park, which boasts around 40 rides, attractions, and arcades, is located around 12 miles east of Newcastle city centre.
Crews worked through the night to battle the flames before leaving the scene at around 3.30am on Saturday.
In a statement, Tyne and Wear Fire Service (TWFS) said it could not yet determine the cause of the fire, but that an investigation would be carried out. A police spokesperson said it is not being treated as malicious.
Dramatic pictures show smoke billowing from the amusement park as a large section of it is engulfed by flames. The large fire blocked a number of local roads on Friday evening as fire crews worked to tackle the blaze.
A police cordon remained in place on Saturday morning, according to local media.
In a statement, TWFS said it had now left the scene and would be “supporting partner agencies” with an investigation.
“Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue resources attended a fire in the Sea Road area of South Shields yesterday evening,” a spokesperson said.
“At the height of the incident we had six fire engines, specialist appliances and three officers on scene. The incident was concluded at 3.30am and all appliances have now left the scene.
“We will be supporting partners with the investigation into the incident but at this time we cannot confirm a cause.”
They added: “We would like to thank Northumbria Police and North East Ambulance Service for their assistance during a challenging incident.”
Police and ambulance services were also at the scene. It is not yet clear whether anyone was hurt.
Northumbria Police told The Independent enquiries are continuing into the cause of the fire, but that it is not being treated as malicious.
A force spokesperson said: “Shortly before 6.40pm on Friday 26 December, we were alerted by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to a premises on fire on Sea Road in South Shields.
“Emergency services attended the scene, and the fire was extinguished in the early hours of today (Saturday).
“Officers assisted the fire service by setting up a small cordon, with some nearby road closures in place, which have now been stood down. Enquiries into the cause of the fire have been ongoing, and it is not being treated as malicious.
“A report will be handed over to the Health and Safety Executive for their consideration.”
