Lanchester 'arson attack' investigation remains ongoing

Emergency services were called to Deneside in Lanchester at around 7.40pm on December 26, following reports of a fire at the address.

Police say the property was unoccupied at the time, and no one was hurt.

However, the fire caused significant damage to the property.

Following the incident, a man aged 27 and a 17-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of arson.

Both the man and the boy have since been released while further enquiries continue.

On Monday (January 5), Durham police confirmed that an investigation into the incident remains ongoing and the suspects remain on bail.

Emergency services were called to Deneside in Lanchester at around 7.40pm on Friday (December 26) (Image: CONTRIBUTOR)

Detectives from the police force are still appealing for anyone with any information to get in touch.

Police have asked people with information to contact them on 101, quoting incident reference number 323 of December 26.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Pictures taken at the scene of the incident showed the front of the house blackened and charred, with the door missing. 

Its gutter is bent downwards, melted in the blaze, and there are also visible chars on the building's right side. 

Ambulance crews were stood down shortly after they arrived at the scene by fire crews.

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called to a fire at a private address in Lanchester, Durham, on Friday, December 26 at 8.20pm.

"We dispatched one HART resource (Hazardous Area Response Team) but were later stood down by fire."

The fire service arrived at 7.39pm to the property, with a spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) saying: "We sent two engines, but then got a request to send two more.

"On arrival, the front of the house was engulfed in flames.

"We remained there until 11pm."