Bungalow arson attack 'terrifying ordeal'

Two cars were destroyed in the blaze which happened in Beechfield

An arson attack at a bungalow was a "terrifying ordeal" for the owners, police have said.

Emergency crews were called the blaze, which also destroyed two cars, in Beechfield, Newton Aycliffe, at about 22:50 GMT on Monday.

The North East Ambulance Service said one patient was treated at the scene but refused to be taken into hospital.

Durham Police said it was carrying out forensic examinations, house-to-house inquiries and witness interviews.

The bungalow was boarded up after the attack

Insp Sarah Honeyman said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for the occupants of the property.

"Thankfully they did not suffer any physical injuries but have been understandably shaken by the incident."

Police said the attack was not believed to have been "random" and there was no threat to the "wider community".

Anyone with information or CCTV footage is being urged to get in touch.