FIVE cars were burnt out when arsonists left an early morning trail of destruction through a town.

Residents in five houses in South Stanley, in County Durham had to be evacuated today when an exploding fuel tank from a burning vehicle threatened to spread to buildings.

Police were called shortly after 4.30am after reports that a silver-coloured VW Golf TDI was on fire in Williams Close.

Moments later, they received a call to say another car, a blue Peugeot 307, was alight in nearby Elgar Close.

Within a few minutes, the Peugeot’s fuel tank exploded, setting fire to fences on neighbouring properties and spewing out a trail of burning fuel which set fire to a white Vauxhall Combo van and a green Skoda Octavia.

The Peugeot suffered extensive damaged while the van and the Skoda Octavia sustained damage to their offside.

Although no-one was injured during the incident, occupants of five houses were evacuated as a precaution.

Meanwhile, in Williams Close the blaze left the VW Golf completely burnt out and spread to a Skoda Fabia parked nearby, which suffered damage to its paintwork, windows and a wing mirror.

Detective Sergeant Dave Oliver said: "We believe the Golf and the Peugeot were deliberately set on fire and unfortunately attempts to alert owners of the other vehicles involved were unsuccessful and they also sustained damage.

"Incidents of this nature are extremely rare and enquiries are ongoing to establish why it occurred and who is responsible."

A joint investigation between the police and fire and rescue service has been launched.

Anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the Walton Close, Williams Close or Elgar Close areas is urged to contact police at Stanley on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.