Police probe arson attacks (From The Northern Echo)

Police probe arson attacks

5:26pm Tuesday 14th February 2012 in Durham City News

TWO suspected arson attacks in the same village are being investigated by police.

A house and a takeaway in Bearpark, near Durham City, were targeted in the early hours of Saturday, February 4.

In the first incident, fire was started in a wheelie bin outside a house in Quarry Crescent, which spread to the door and caused smoke damage to the empty property.

Shortly afterwards a further fire started nearby at the Pizza Paradise takeaway restaurant.

Intruders gained entry through a door and started two fires inside the property which caused what police describe as "significant damage".

Police are appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area between 2.30am and 5.30am to come forward.

Detective Constable Claire Errington said: "We believe the fires were started deliberately and would appeal to anyone who was in the area around the time it occurred and witnessed anything suspicious to contact us."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC Claire Errington from Durham City CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.