A VAN was set on fire metres from where a young child was sleeping in a suspected arson attack in the early hours of this morning.

Householders reported their van was ablaze at about 2am, and several windows had also been put through in the Stockton property.

Social media reports suggested the fire was close to an outdoor gas meter and was ‘very close to blowing the property up’.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “At 2am police were called to an address on South Parade in Stockton where the householder was reporting their van was ablaze on the drive and that damage had been caused to some house windows.

“The householder and police officers were able to extinguish the blaze, however our Fire Brigade colleagues were notified and investigations into the incident are ongoing today.”

Unconfirmed reports suggested a car was seen speeding away from the scene.

  • Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phoning 0800-555-111.