POLICE are hunting arsonists who tried to burn down a bungalow while its elderly resident slept inside.
The 87-year-old woman escaped the blaze after the swift intervention of firefighters.
The incident happened shortly after 2am on Saturday in St Mary's Street, Blackhill, Consett.
Arsonists set fire to a wheelie bin outside the bungalow, then pushed it against the rear door of the property. The flames spread to the porch roof before firefighters arrived.
PC Graeme Whitfield said: "This could have been a good deal worse than it ended up.
"Fortunately the elderly woman was not hurt, but it was a very traumatic experience for someone of her age."
The wooden porch roof was destroyed and the inside of the bungalow suffered extensive smoke damage.
PC Whitfield said: "We cannot believe there was any motive as she is not someone anybody could hold a grudge against. It may be that it was a drunken prank, but we are keeping an open mind."
Anyone with information is asked to call (01207) 504204
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