Huge fire tears through popular amusement park on Boxing Day

An investigation has been launched following a massive fire at a popular theme park in the North East 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 has approximately 40 toys, entertainment centers and game halls, is located approximately 20 kilometers east of Newcastle city centre.

Crews tried to combat the flames throughout the night before leaving the scene around 03.30 on Saturday.

Tyne and Wear Fire Service (TWFS) said in a statement that it could not yet determine the cause of the fire but an investigation would be carried out. A police spokesman said it was not considered malicious.

Dramatic images show smoke rising as a large part of the amusement park is engulfed in flames. The massive blaze closed many local roads on Friday evening as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.

The police cordon remained in place on Saturday morning, local media reported.

In a statement, TWFS said it had now withdrawn from the scene and would “support partner agencies” with an investigation.

“Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue resources attended a fire in the Sea Road area of ​​South Shields last night,” a spokesman said.

“At the height of the incident, six fire trucks, a specialist team and three police officers were at the scene. The incident ended at 3.30 in the morning and the entire team left the scene.

“We will support our partners in the investigation of the incident, but we cannot confirm the cause at this time.”

They added: “We would like to thank Northumbria Police and the North East Ambulance Service for their assistance during a challenging incident.”

Police and ambulance teams also arrived at the scene. It is not yet clear whether anyone was injured.

Northumbria Police told Independent Investigations into the cause of the fire are continuing, but the fire is not thought to be malicious.

A force spokesman said: “Shortly before 6.40pm on Friday, December 26, we were alerted by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to a burning premises on Sea Road in South Shields.

“Emergency services attended the scene and the fire was extinguished in the early hours today (Saturday).

“Officers assisted the fire service by establishing a small cordon and some nearby road closures have now been stopped. “Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing and it is not being treated as malicious.

“A report will be handed over to the Health and Safety Executive for consideration.”