A man who has created festive displays outside his home for 19 years says he is “heartbroken” after Halloween decorations were torched overnight.
The home on Heaton Gardens, in South Shields, is owned by Stan Yannetta who is well known in the community for elaborate festive displays outside his property.
Mr Yannetta was alerted to the blaze by his brother, who banged on his door at around 11pm. He said: “I knew there was something wrong.
“I popped my head around the corner and the whole street was ablaze. It was horrendous. The display, from one end to another, was totally gone.
“I’m gutted, I’ve cried all night. Gutted isn’t the word – I’m devastated. I thought why me? Why have they done what they’ve done? Everybody is saying ‘Why are they bothering Stan?’. Everybody knows what I do.”
A video captured by Stan Yannetta shows the blaze before emergency services arrived.
The fire engulfed the display, which reached 70ft across the front gardens of two neighbouring properties.
Northumbria Police have said they are treating the incident as suspected arson and an investigation is underway.
Mr Yannetta says the effort to build the display began in September, with ‘countless’ hours going into it, but says it was all gone in an instant: “Never, ever again. I’ve lost it all.
On Monday, the work was due to begin to remove the Halloween decorations and prepare for Christmas.
“It’s a lot of work, I can’t start again. I’m broken – it’s really got me.”
Stan Yannetta spoke to ITV Tyne Tees on the morning after the fire as he surveyed the damage
Donations are also collected outside the home, which are split between three local charities – Tiny Lives, Stopping Unsafe Relationships Together (SURT) and Pawz for Thought.
Stan has informed police he believes these funds were also stolen during the incident.
A neighbour and friend of Mr Yanetta who has helped with creating the displays over the years says and said more than two hundred people had turned up to see the ‘dummy run’ of the light display hours before the fire.
Richy Ames said the incident has been “gut-wrenching”.
He told ITV Tyne Tees, “All night people have shown support. This morning, people have been turning up in their cars passing, saying we are so sorry. The amount of businesses that have come forward saying can we donate stuff and can we help in any way – it’s just unreal.”
The clean up operation is underway on Heaton Gardens following the blaze on Thursday evening. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Emergency services attended where damage had been caused to a Halloween display in the front yard, and the fire was extinguished.
“Enquiries into the cause of the fire are ongoing, which we are currently treating as suspected arson.
“Anyone with information – as well as CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage – is encouraged to send us a direct message on social media or use live chat and report forms on our website.
“Those unable to make contact in these ways can call 101. Please quote reference: NP-20251030-1106.”
Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know…
