POLICE are appealing for information after an arson attack on a newsagents shop.

The premises in High Street, Tow Law, sustained smoke damage after a glass bottle containing a flammable liquid ignited as it was thrown at the shop door on Thursday night.

Detective Sergeant Neil Edgar, of Crook police, said that fortunately the 21-year-old woman working behind the counter at the time of the attack was unhurt but was badly shaken by the incident.

He added: "Luckily there were no customers in the shop at the time and the assistant wasn't injured but the consequences could have been far more serious.

"This was a very dangerous thing to do and we can only guess at the motive of whoever was responsible."

Anyone who witnessed the incident, shortly before 9pm on Thursday, should contact Crook CID on 0845-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555 -111.

*Two local youths, aged 15 and 16, have been arrested on suspicion of arson and bailed pending further enquiries.