Charity van destroyed in 'hurtful' arson attack

The van, belonging to the Pallion Action Group charity, was full of equipment and donations

A suspected arson attack has destroyed a charity's van and damaged the home of a family nearby, leaving them feeling unsafe in the property.

The fire broke out on on East Moor Road in Pallion, Sunderland, at about 03:30 BST on Friday and wrecked the Pallion Action Group's vehicle which was full of equipment and donations.

It also damaged the home of Leigh Cook whose pregnant daughter was asleep in the front room when the blaze broke out.

It destroyed items for the baby and left the mum-to-be "a bag of nerves" and "jumping at every little noise".

Pallion Action Group CEO Karen Noble said she was "shocked" and "horrified" at the attack, but added the support they had received from the community was "inspiring".

"I felt physically sick all weekend about it," Ms Noble said of the fire.

The charity is now trying to support residents impacted by the blaze.

Nearby properties were also damaged in the fire

Ms Cook's family managed to escape uninjured, but she said her children were afraid to stay in the property on their own.

"I'm trying to stay strong, but I'm in shock at the same time," the mum-of-three said.

"I'm working two jobs but I'm not sleeping on a night, so I've still got to get up and I've still got to take my boy to school and do my jobs.

"I'm exhausted mentally and physically at the moment."

Pallion Action Group supports more than 6,000 people in the community every year with a range of social and educational projects.

Ms Noble said the fire happened during a week when they were carrying "25 random acts of kindness" to thank the community and mark their 25th anniversary.

"So for this to happen at this particular time was particularly hurtful," Ms Noble said.

The charity bought the van new about three years ago, and Ms Noble said: "We're not going to be able to afford a new one which is what we need - something reliable."

Northumbria Police confirmed the fire is being treated as a suspected arson and appealed for information.