Crook residents shocked after cars burnt out in town

Milburn Street was cordoned off

Residents say they have been left in shock after ten cars were destroyed by fire in neighbouring streets in a County Durham town.

People living in Milburn Street and Wilson Street, Crook, were woken by the vehicle fires in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Witnesses told the BBC that PVC windows and doors on homes had melted due to the heat.

The fire is being treated as arson and an investigation is under way.

Durham Police has deployed more officers to the town to provide "further reassurance to local residents".

PVC on windows and doors melted, according to witnesses

Three fire crews from Crook, Durham and Bishop Auckland were called to both scenes. No injuries were reported at the time.

Shaun Hope said he had to rescue his grandson after flames came extremely close to his bedroom window on Milburn Street.

"Everyone was out watching what was going on," Mr Hope said.

The incident has left burnt-out shells of parked cars across both streets.

Mr Hope said the community had been left in shock following the fires.

"They are all good hard working people in this street," he said. "They don't deserve this."

The fires left cars and homes damaged in both streets

Graeme Carr, station manager at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We are working closely with Durham Police to assist them with the next steps of their investigation."

Durham Police, which said it was suspected arson, said 10 cars and the windows of several homes had been damaged.

A spokesperson urged anyone with information to contact police as inquiries continue.