POLICE are appealing for help in tracking down arsonists who tried to set fire to a house occupied by two teenage girls.

The offenders struck at about 12.20am on Sunday when they stuffed a blazing piece of paper through the letterbox of a house in Copper Beech Way, Colburn near Catterick Garrison.

The flames set fire to a curtain before the two girls, in their late teens, were able to extinguish the blaze.

Police are now appealing for members of the public to help them identify the arsonists and want to speak to anyone with any information which could assist the investigation.

Detective Sergeant Angie Went said: “This was a very dangerous and malicious act which put the lives of two young people in extreme danger.

“Luckily they managed to quickly extinguish the flames before any serious damage or injury was caused.”

She added: “The perpetrators must be brought to justice and I am appealing for anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious or has any other information which could assist the investigation, to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101, select option two and ask for Northallerton CID.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.