A WELL-USED village hall has closed temporarily as a result of a suspected arson attack.

Parish councillors arriving for their monthly meeting discovered the fire damage to the kitchens of the hall in Pittington, near Durham, on Tuesday evening.

It is believed the extractor fan in a kitchen window was tampered with from outside, probably late on Monday.

The back of the fan appears to have melted by fire and fallen to the floor, brushing against the curtains on its descent.

Flames spread from the curtains round the rest of the room, causing extensive fire damage to the kitchen and smoke damage to the rest of the building.

Although the fire appears to have burned itself out, the first anyone knew was when the hall was opened for Tuesday's meeting of Pittington Parish Council.

It is well used by for a variety of functions, including mother-and-toddler groups, chess and martial arts clubs, which have all cancelled events as a result of the fire.

Beat officer PC Paul Blair said: "This is very unusual for Pittington, which normally has a very low crime rate.

"It could have been even worse as the building could have been burnt down completely, but fortunately, the fire damage was confined to the kitchen.

"Even so, the hall will be out of action for some considerable time.

"If anyone in Pittington has any information as to who was responsible we would be keen to hear from them."

Parish clerk Peter McCutcheon said as there was normally no meeting in August all business may be held over until the September meeting to allow the clean up of the hall to begin once the police and fire authorities give the all clear.

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call the Durham Police non-emergency line, on 0845-606 0365, or PC Blair, via 0191-375 2844.