Three Teenagers Charged with Arson Following Chapel Fire

Arson charges have been brought against three teenagers in connection with a fire at a building that was formerly a church. The Wesley Chapel in Hartlepool, a Grade II listed structure, sustained damage to its interior and certain external walls on 7 November 2023. The three boys, each 15 years of age, are scheduled to appear before Teesside Magistrates’ Court on 8 January. At the time of the fire, redevelopment efforts were ongoing at the church, located on Victoria Road, with plans to convert it into a luxury hotel. Constructed in 1873, the chapel has been characterized as a significant heritage asset for the Hartlepool area. It had previously suffered damage from a fire in 2017.