TWO girls, aged 12 and 14, have been arrested in connection with an alleged arson attack in Darlington.

The youngsters from Skerne Park were arrested in connection with a fire at the community centre on the estate on Tuesday night. The girls were interviewed and released on bail until April 6.

Ward councillor Cyndi Hughes said: "I'm really impressed with the police work and the co-operation of the community."

As well as the fire at the community centre, there was a burglary on Wednesday.

Inspector Brian Maudling, of Darlington police, said the burglars removed boards over a fire door at the centre to get in at the back of the building and stole a computer hard drive and monitor, sweets and crisps.

He said police had not connected the burglary with Tuesday's alleged arson.

Joyce Standing, community centre secretary, said the stolen computer was not one of the new ones recently bought for community use, but an older model.

She said it was expected to be three to four weeks before the damage caused by the fire at the community centre would be repaired.

Residents on Skerne Park will be receiving leaflets to help find out what they would like to see provided for youngsters and to encourage people to volunteer to help organise and run activities.