ARSONISTS have severely damaged a charity shop which raises thousands of pounds every year to help terminally-ill patients.
The fire at the charity shop in Horden destroyed stock and has now cast doubt on the future of the shop, which raises money for the Alice House Hospice in Hartlepool.
A spokesman for the hospice said: “We are saddened to report that our Horden charity shop has been subject to burglary and arson.
“We initially believed this to be the result of an electrical fault but further findings have led to this discovery.
“The shop is not serviceable and its future is in the hands of the landlords”.
The spokesman added: “The loss of this shop leaves a forecast deficit of £24,000 per year and all donated goods that were stored in the shop have sadly been destroyed.
“Donations can be taken to our Peterlee and Blackhall shops, or collected by calling 01429 234143.
“Please help our shops continue to raise funds for Hospice care."
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