Overview
- The disused former Co-Op on Woods Terrace caught fire Thursday evening around 6:20pm in an incident that drew police and fire crews.
- Durham Constabulary opened an arson investigation and arrested a 33-year-old on suspicion of starting the blaze, with the suspect still in custody.
- County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service sent four engines and an aerial ladder platform, and crews in breathing gear fought the flames for several hours.
- Drone images show the roof destroyed, and a police cordon and follow-up visits remain in place today as teams assess structural damage.
- Authorities told nearby residents and businesses to keep windows shut and urged drivers to close vents because of heavy smoke.