POLICE are investigating after arsonists set fire to the front door of a property while an elderly occupant was inside.

An investigation is ongoing into two separate attacks on the same property on Adelaide Place in Hendon, Sunderland.

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The first incident, which happened between 4.50am and 5am on February 14, saw offenders approach the address and throw a substance on the outside of the door before setting it on fire.

Then last week, at about 9.45pm on March 5, an offender attended the same address and set fire to the door, as well as a car that was parked outside.

Thankfully on both occasions, the occupants – which include an elderly man - were not injured.

These are very serious offences and could easily have resulted in serious injury or even a fatality.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "We are committed to tracing those responsible for these appalling crimes and bringing effective justice against them.

"Enquiries are ongoing into both incidents, which we are treating as linked, and officers are now appealing to anybody with information to come forward.

"If you live in the area and think you may have information that can help our investigation, please get in touch.

"You can do so via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website, by calling 101 quoting crime number 018316V/22 or email 1778@northumbria.pnn.police.uk."

 

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