A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after an overturned van was found to have been shot at with a firearm.

Cleveland Police have since released the 27-year-old on bail pending further inquiries following the suspected targeted attack on the Vauxhall Vivaro last week on the A66 at South Bank, near Middlesbrough.

The van was found with extensive damage believed to have been caused by a firearm at 11.45pm on Friday.

Witnesses have told police that two occupants of the van were spotted leaving the scene prior to the arrival of the emergency services.

It is believed that one of them may have been injured in the crash.

Police have also bailed three men aged 25, 38 and 60 from the Manchester area after they were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life in connection with two house fires in South Bank at around the time of the incident on the A66.

One fire occurred in Steele Crescent and one in Resource Close and police are keeping an open mind as to whether the fires are linked to the shooting.

Detective Inspector Matt Murphy-King said: “A team of detectives have been dedicated to the investigation to find out the circumstances of the collision.

“We are conducting a number of lines of inquiry in the local area.

“I’m appealing for anyone with information to come forward, no matter how brief the information is as it could assist in determining what has happened.”

The eastbound carriageway was closed while police investigated the scene on Friday night into Saturday and recovered the vehicle.

Anyone who has information is asked to call Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.