Suspected arson spree prompts plea

Three cars, a van and sheds were targeted in a spree of suspected arson attacks.

Police are now appealing for information following a number of suspected deliberate fires in the Wingate area.

Three cars, a van, sheds and a large pile of rubbish behind a barn were set alight at around 4am on Wednesday.

‘Substantial damage’ was caused to the vehicles as well as nearby properties as firefighters tackled the string of incidents, fire fighters said.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it was called to a three sheds and a van alight in Church Street, Station Town, at 4am – the first arson attack.

Two fire engines from Peterlee and one from Wheatley Hill were called to the blaze.

Firefighters from Spennymoor and Seaham then attended two private vehicles alight in Market Crescent at 4.26am.

A crew from Wheatley Hill then attended a car fire in Lake View at 4.35am.

Finally firefighters were called to a 20 square metre pile of rubbish which was alight behind a barn in Fairfield Farm.

Cars were set alight in Hadrian Court and Lake View, a car and allotments were set alight in Church Street and a barn was targeted on Fairfield Farm at 5.13am. Two fire engines were called.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “Anyone who witnessed the incidents, or has information they believe may be relevant, is asked to contact Durham Police on 101, quoting incident number 32 of March 4.”