A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after two people were rescued from their burning home in the middle of the night.

Fire crews were called to the scene of the blaze shortly after 3am on Cumberland Street in Coundon, County Durham where a house was on fire.

Firefighters with breathing equipment rescued two residents from the rear of the property with no serious injuries and the blaze was put out.

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A 43-year-old man was arrested a short time later on suspicion of arson and currently remains in police custody.

Police and fire crews have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the fire.

A spokesperson for the County Durham and Darlington fire service said: “Reports of a house fire in Coundon Grange came into CDDFRS control at 3.10am this morning (Friday, April 28).

“Three crews attended along with the Special Rescue Unit and a Senior Officer Incident Commander. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were deployed into the house and fortunately two residents were rescued from the rear of the property with no serious injuries.”

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Police are now appealing for information or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage in the area at the time of the incident to come forward.

Detective Inspector Gareth Hodgson, from Bishop Auckland CID said: “I would like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident and there is no wider concern for residents.

“An investigation has now been launched and we are looking for anyone with dashcam footage or CCTV of the incident to come forward.”