POLICE believe a fire at a flat that they say could easily have ended in tragedy may have been started deliberately.

The emergency services were called to a flat on Front Street, Sherburn Hill, near Durham City at about 2am on Saturday, September 27, following reports a fire had broken out.

The police, fire brigade and ambulance service all attended the scene and a man and a woman were rescued from the flat, with the help of a neighbour.

A joint investigation was launched into the case of the blaze, as police believed it may have been arson.

A week on, Durham Police are now appealing for information on the incident.

Detective Constable Dorothea Scales, of Durham City CID, said the force particularly wanted to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious around the time the fire started.

She said: “We are appealing to the local community to come forward with information regarding the circumstances of this fire.

“We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen anything suspicious.

“The outcome of this fire could have been tragic if it wasn’t for the quick thinking neighbour who assisted in the rescue of the occupants.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Durham Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.