A MUSEUM has condemned the actions of teenagers who started a fire under their building.

Police and fire services were called out at about 4.30pm on Tuesday to a small fire in the underpass between Tullie House and Carlisle Castle.

Firefighters had arrived on scene and found that police had apprehended the group, described as "college-aged youths by police.

Crews checked the scene, but no action was required from the firefighters on scene.

No arrests were made following the incident.

The swift actions of staff at Tullie House meant the fire had already been extinguished prior to the arrival of a crew from Carlisle East Fire Station.

A statement from Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery said: "Our staff were first alerted to the incident via CCTV.

"Our Visitor Engagement Manager called police and fire services, then attended the scene with two members of our Visitor Experience Team who were able to extinguish the fire.

"This type of incident not only puts our staff and visitors in danger, it also represents a significant risk to the collections that we care for on behalf of the city and its residents."

The museum and art gallery issued a strong message: "The Tullie House collections tell important stories, inspire thousands of visitors a year and are used to support education, well-being and community spirit.

"Threats to these collections are demoralising for our staff team and visitors, and takes up valuable time and resources."

The statement outlined the poor timing of the incident.

"Anti-social behaviour in the area is increasing, which is a particular concern at a time when all local services are already stretched as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We continue to work with colleagues in the local police service and the City Council to address anti-social behaviour issues.

"We would like to thank the emergency services staff for their help and support by responding so promptly to the incident."

A spokesman for Cumbria Constabulary said: "Police and fire attended reports of a fire in the underpass between Tullie House and Carlisle Castle.

"The fire was started by a group of college aged youths. Thankfully, the fire was already extinguished by the fast-acting staff at Tullie House, however, we do not need to explain how different this could have been.

"Not only that, it is an extra, unnecessary pressure for our emergency services.

"Police will follow up with appropriate action, the youths involved were also asked to clean up the mess they had left behind."

Carlisle East Fire Station issued the following statement on the incident: "Great work by Cumbria Police to arrive on scene so early, and apprehend the suspected culprits - showing that arson will not be tolerated, and offenders will be held accountable."