THICK black smoke could be seen for miles bellowing from a County Durham haulage depot yesterday afternoon after hundreds of tyres were set on fire.
Police plan to speak to a number of local youths about the blaze at Thomas Brothers, in Murton, east Durham, which took firefighters almost two hours to contain.
First reports were received shortly before 1.30pm that tyres were well alight on the site, near the Dalton Park retail development.
Firefighters from Seaham and Durham arrived to find thick plumes of smoke billowing from the burning rubber.
The cause of the blaze was being investigated last night.
Inspector Paul Harrison, of Easington police division, said: "It seems that it was started maliciously and we've got a number of names of local people with whom we would like to speak.
"We will be making further inquiries in the village."
Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-586 2621.
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