THREE cars in the same street were set on fire and totally destroyed in the early hours of today in east Durham.

The arson attacks happened in Byron Terrace in Seaham with the first two vehicles – a Volvo 850 and a Hyundai Matrix - targeted between 1.30 and 1.40am The third, a Renault Scenic was then set alight sometime between 3 and 3.20am These were at three separate addresses in Byron Terrace.

As far as police are aware there is nothing to link the owners of the vehicles and at this stage there is no obvious motive. It's believed the fires were started with lighter fuel.

PC Mark Wearmouth of Seaham Crime Team said; "It would appear the three vehicles have been targeted at random.

"We are asking anyone with information to contact us, especially local shop staff who might have suspicions about any customers who have bought lighter fuel recently."

Callers should contact Seaham CID through the non-emergency number 0345-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers, 0800- 555-111.