POLICE are treating a house fire on Saturday evening as a possible arson attack.
A bundle of lit paper was pushed through the letterbox of a house in Grasmere Road, Darlington, causing damage to the hallway.
Fire crews were called to the property at 10.20pm after reports that people were trapped inside.
Two appliances from Darlington and one from Newton Aycliffe tackled the blaze.
No one had to be rescued from the house but a man was taken by ambulance to Darlington Memorial Hospital suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation.
Inspector Brian Maudling, of Darlington police, said they were taking the incident very seriously.
Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call police on (01325) 467681.
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