TWO horses escaped injury following an arson attack at a stables last night (Wednesday, April 22).

A police spokesman said the fire broke out at stables in John Street, Fence Houses, near Chester-le-Street, between 8.15pm and 9.55pm.

The spokesman said: “The door of the stables was set on fire.

“There were horses inside the stables, however, none were injured in the incident and the fire was quickly extinguished.

“It's believed the fire was started deliberately and the incident is being treated as arson.

"Officers are carrying out inquiries into the fire and are asking for any witnesses to contact them."

The blaze comes days after five horses perished in a fire at Station House Stables in Coxgreen Road, Cox Gree, Penshaw.

A police woman helped save a a further 15 horses from certain death on Monday (April 20). Inquiries are continuing into the cause of the fire.

Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police on 101.