A SERIES of arson attacks across east Durham has prompted the independent charity Crimestoppers to offer a reward of up to £1,000 for any information leading to the arrest and charge of those responsible.

The areas in and around Peterlee, Shotton Colliery and Horden, have seen some “significant and worrying” attacks where fires have been deliberately started.

Homes have been set ablaze, cars set alight on people’s driveways, and even groups of cars have all been set on fire at the same time.

The charity says, apart from the cost and disruption to residents and the cost and additional pressure on the fire and rescue service attending these incidents, there is also the very real danger that property is seriously damaged and lives could be lost.

Ruth McNee, North-East regional manager at the Crimestoppers, said: “Arson is such a dangerous and life-threatening crime.

“During these challenging times, it’s incredible to think that people are wilfully and deliberately setting off fires in our county. In some cases, we’re learned that criminals are using arson as a method of revenge and as a form of intimidation.

“This sort of behaviour is unacceptable. Even if no one is hurt or killed, arson can leave people homeless and penniless. We need people in these communities to speak out against arson, to tell us what they know – hence why we are offering a reward of up to £1,000 for information to help prevent future fires from damaging communities and threatening lives.

She added: “At Crimestoppers, we have kept our promise of anonymity for over 32 years, so you can trust that when you tell us something, no one will ever know.

“Anyone can contact us online via our untraceable anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org, or you can call our 24-hour UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111. The number will not show up on any phone bill and we are not interested in who you are, just what you know.”