POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an alleged arson attack in Sunderland.
Emergency services were called to reports of a fire at a house in Appleby Square at 5.04am yesterday (Sunday, October 4).
Officers were at the scene to assist the fire service with the incident. Nobody was in the house at the time of the fire and nobody was injured.
They found the front door had been deliberately set alight causing extensive damage to the door and the front of the house and extensive smoke damage to the interior of the property.
Police are treating the incident as arson.
Extra patrols will be in the area to carry out inquiries and offer reassurance to concerned members of the public.
A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and remains in police custody at this time.
Any witnesses, or anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time, should contact Northumbria Police on 101 extension 69191 quoting reference number 280 04/10/15 or charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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