Man arrested in arson attack investigation

The second attack happened before 20:00 GMT on 5 March

A 26-year-old man has been arrested and released on bail following a spate of suspected arson attacks in a town.

Durham Police said two men on a scooter threw a brick through the window of a house on Lilburne Crescent, Newton Aycliffe, on 5 March, before pouring petrol through it and setting it alight.

One person was inside the house but was unharmed, the force said.

A spokeswoman said it was believed the fire was connected to a similar blaze which also destroyed two cars in Beechfield on 3 March.

Two cars were destroyed in the blaze which happened in Beechfield on 3 March

A force spokeswoman said a man had been arrested on 8 March and he had since been bailed with conditions.

"Inquiries continue to trace those responsible," she added.

At the time of the attacks, the force said they were not believed to be "random" and there was no threat to the wider community.