Verrills Fish Shop closes after fire in Hartlepool

Verrills Fish Shop on Hartlepool High Street is closed after a fire broke out on Wednesday, September 16.

Cleveland Fire Brigade sent four fire engines after smoke was reported coming from the building at 10am.

Verrills’ owners thanked the community and confirmed that nobody was seriously injured.

The Facebook post read: “We would just like to start by saying a huge thank you to everyone who has taken the time to send us kind messages and check in following the fire at the fish shop.

“Thankfully, everyone is safe and, most importantly, no one has been seriously hurt.

“We are incredibly grateful for that.

“The fire was absolutely nobody’s fault, and we are now working around the clock to get everything sorted and hopefully reopen as soon as we possibly can.

“Unfortunately, a lot of this is out of our hands at the moment, but we are doing everything we can.”

The owners hope to reopen soon and will keep customers updated.

The owners also praised the emergency crews who attended.

The owners said: “We also want to say a massive thank you to Cleveland Fire Brigade for attending, helping us through such a frightening situation and making sure the property was safe and that the fire was completely out.

“We truly appreciate everything you did.”

Crews from Hartlepool, Billingham and Stockton stayed at the scene for just over an hour.

A Cleveland Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Cleveland Fire Brigade was called on Wednesday, September 16, at 10am to an incident at Verrills Fish Shop.

“Four fire appliances attended from Hartlepool, Billingham and Stockton.

“The stop call was received at 11.05am.

“20% fire damage to whole building. 60% smoke damage.

“The cause is believed to be accidental.”

The owners also hit back at negative online comments.

The owners said: “Finally, we would just like to address the negative and inappropriate comments that have been made.

“Behind this business are real people, a family and a home.

“This is our livelihood and something we have worked incredibly hard for, and having something like this happen is devastating enough without having hurtful comments made about it.”

The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.

Verrills previously reopened after fire and smoke damage on April 24, 2023, following a two-week closure.