YOUTHS armed with a firebomb are thought to have started a blaze at a church.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the fire was started at the back of a chapel in Washington, Wearside, at 7.40pm on Thursday.

The blaze, behind Rickleton Chapel, in Vigo Lane, damaged a door before burning itself out. It appears to have started after a bottle containing flammable liquid and an oily rag was thrown at the chapel.

Police said a number of youths were seen loitering around Rickleton village centre at about the time of the attack.

Anyone with information should contact Washington police on 0191-454 7555.