The victim of a suspected arson attack has praised firefighters who helped save her belongings from going up in flames.

In the early hours of Saturday Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) received a call that a car was on fire in Ryhope.

A crew form Farringdon Community Fire Station were on scene in just seven minutes and were able to safely extinguish the blaze before it engulfed the vehicle.

Unfortunately the car was damaged beyond repair but the owner has today praised the crew for helping rescue some of her belongings.

Paula, who owns the car, says the speed of the TWFRS response helped save her blue badge, crutches, dog harness, dog lead and dog coat from her Toyota vehicle.

“I am really grateful to the firefighters who came to help so quickly and were able to put the fire out,” said Paula.

“It meant they were able to rescue some of my belongings and I am really grateful for everything they did.

“It was scary but I just want to say a huge thank you to the emergency services for what they do.”

The fire is being treated as a malicious ignition and is being investigated by Northumbria Police alongside a second car fire in Ryhope on Friday evening.

Anyone with information is being encouraged to contact police but today the crews involved have been praised for their intervention.

Group Manager Tony Markwell, of TWFRS, said: “We are glad that we were able to recover some of Paula’s things and that nobody was hurt.

“We were able to arrive on scene and extinguish the fire quite quickly and that prevented the entire vehicle from going up in flames.

“We did extinguish a second car fire in the immediate area and are supporting our colleagues at the police with their investigation.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact the police. We will continue to do our bit to keep you safe and create the safest community.”

If you have information about the fire then contact Northumbria Police online, or by calling 101, quoting reference 002978K/22.

Alternatively you can contact Firestoppers anonymously on 0800 169 5558, or by filling in a form on their website.