18 August 2023 , 06:14
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Cars have been torched and homes evacuated in a seaside town overnight. Families in Hartlepool, County Durham, have endured an evening of "absolute chaos" as yobs targeted residential properties and vehicles.
Neighbours spoke of banging on windows to raise the alarm bell as cars were engulfed in flames just metres away from homes. One resident said: "Ten cars torched on our street and neighbouring streets, absolute chaos. Had to bang the owner awake."
Cleveland Police said officers were called to "multiple vehicle fires" across the port town at around 2.20am on Friday. It meant a "small number" of families were evacuated while firefighters were in the area.
"Emergency services are currently dealing with multiple vehicle fires across the Hartlepool area. Police received report of fires on Caledonian Road, Baden Street, Shrewsbury Street, Lansdowne Road, Osborne Road, and Brinkburn Road," the force said.
"A small number of residents have been evacuated and officers are urging people to avoid the area whilst emergency services deal with the incident."
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Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cleveland Police online or by calling 101 quoting incident 164288.
Are you at the scene? Did you see what happened? If so, contact [email protected]