ARSONISTS broke into a small industrial unit in Darlington and set fire to the compound, damaging several cars.
At the height of the blaze, on the town's Albert Hill Industrial Estate, early on Saturday, four fire engines were in action trying to control the flames.
It is believed the fire was started at the back of one of five cars which were parked in the unit.
Firefighters were called to the unit, in Cleveland Street, shortly after 1am, and two engines from Darlington attended. However, tenders from Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland had to be called in to help.
It is understood three of the cars were destroyed in the fire, which also caused severe damage to another vehicle.
The building was described by a fire service spokesman as being "severely damaged".
Anyone with information about the blaze is asked to contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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