POLICE have launched an arson investigation after fire destroyed a garage.
Fifty firefighters were called to the blaze at Fastfit Tyres in Langley Park, on the outskirts of Durham City, on Wednesday night.
The building was destroyed, along with four cars parked on the premises. The owners estimate the damage to be about £100,000.
The fire appears to have started in a stack of tyres, and quickly spread to an oil container and the garage.
A police spokesman said: "An investigation is under way to determine the cause of the blaze, but police are treating it as arson."
Firefighters battled for almost two hours to bring the blaze under control.
Ten houses in neighbouring streets were evacuated as a precaution.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Consett police, on (01207) 504204, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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