Witness appeal following suspected Seaham arsons

Officers investigating a series of suspected arson attacks in Seaham are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Extensive enquiries have been carried out into the incidents, in which several cars were set on fire in the Deneside area last month.

In a further incident, which took place on December 9 at around 9.50pm, a car was also set on fire in The Avenue. The fire then spread to a number of houses.

Thankfully, nobody was injured, but the houses have sustained extensive fire damage.

Police have arrested two men, aged 19 and 44, in connection with the incidents.

They have been interviewed by officers and released on bail while further enquiries are carried out.

Extra officers have also been deployed to the area to carry out reassurance patrols at key times overnight.

Inspector Tom Teague, from Seaham Neighbourhood Police Team, said: “These are utterly reckless attacks which could have had far worse consequences; it is only by sheer luck that nobody has been seriously injured.

“We believe the incidents are linked and an investigation is underway to bring those responsible to justice. 

“Somebody out there knows who is committing these offences – if you do, I would urge you to do the right thing and get in touch with us immediately.

“If you live in the area and have CCTV, or were driving in the area on the evening of December 9 and have a dashcam, please review your footage and come forward if you captured anything.”

Anyone with any information should call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting crime reference number CRI00653221 or contact us online at www.durham.police.uk

Information can also be submitted anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org