Attempted arsonist sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison

A man has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years after trying to start a fire at a house in Lanchester.

Officers were called to an address in Manor Grange shortly after 6.15pm on Thursday, January 7.

Mark Harbottle, of Burnhope, smashed a window of the property before pouring petrol through the window and trying to light it.

Thankfully, he was unsuccessful and no-one was injured. He made off after the occupants of the house were alerted to what he was doing.

An investigation was launched and blood at the scene was found to belong to Harbottle.

The 25-year-old was arrested and subsequently charged with attempted arson with intent to endanger life.

He pleaded guilty at a hearing last month and at Durham Crown Court this week, Harbottle was sentenced to 90 months in prison.

Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Hannah Wilson, of Durham Constabulary, said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the occupants of the property.

“Thankfully, they did not suffer any physical injuries but understandably were extremely shaken by the incident.

“Everyone has a right to feel safe in their own neighbourhood and we will not tolerate criminality and disorder in our communities.

“Anybody who commits these types of acts, we will tirelessly look for you and deal with you robustly.”