The owners of a popular fish and chip shop in South Shields say they are "deeply saddened" after "mindless" arsonists destroyed their business overnight. Emergency services were called to a fire at Blue Marlin fish and chip shop in Ocean Beach Amusement Park in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Firefighters spent one hour and 25 minutes tackling the blaze, which Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) confirmed was centred around the property's outdoor seating area. Northumbria Police later confirmed the fire was being treated as suspected arson.

Nobody was injured in the incident however the building was severely damaged in the blaze , casting uncertainty on the future of a local family business which served the community for almost 20 years. The owners confirmed that

See Full Page