POLICE are investigating a suspected arson attack at a North-East race track.

A caravan and a private ambulance at Barford Raceway, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, were destroyed by fire on Tuesday, November 11.

The landowner, who does not run the stock car track but lives nearby, spotted the blaze and called emergency services to the scene at around 9.30pm.

Firefighters were able to deal with the incident quickly and nobody was injured.

Police have confirmed it is being treated as suspicious but as yet have not identified any motive.

PC Steve Purchase, of Barnard Castle neighbourhood policing team, said: “The caravan and ambulance were used as staff quarters and a first aid centre at the track but were badly damaged.

“The business owner, from Darlington, and the landowner have no idea why anybody would do this.

“We’re appealing for anyone with information or who witnessed suspicious activity to come forward.”

PC Purchase said the culprits may have reached the site by crossing fields on foot and had a vehicle parked nearby, possibly on the A688 near Streatlam, as it is not thought they used the main entrance to the track.

He said the flames would have been visible from the road and asked anyone who saw suspicious people or vehicles shortly before 9.30pm to report it to Barnard Castle police on 101.