LOTTIE the police dog helped in a search which led to the arrest of a man on suspected drugs and arson offences in County Durham.

Cleveland and Durham Road Policing Unit attended a report of a Vauxhall Astra on fire about 1am on Wednesday in Burns Terrace, Shotton Colliery.

"The fire had spread though the engine bay and was treated as suspicious," said a police spokesman.

"A short time later a 27-year-old local man was arrested at his home and PD Lottie was deployed to search for evidence connected to the arson.

"But in the suspect's bedroom she also found a bag, thought to contain about £5,000 worth of cocaine and amphetamine.

"The man was then also arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply as well as arson." 

Police say the man is being held in custody.