POLICE are investigating two suspected arson attacks on homes in Horden, County Durham, on Monday night.

Nobody was injured in the fires in Fourth and Fifth Streets, which police believe are linked.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: "Officers were first called to an address on Fifth Street at around 11.15pm where units from the fire service were dealing with a house fire.

"Shortly after arriving on scene, officers were alerted to a second fire that had broken out at an address on Fourth Street. "Nobody was injured during the incidents, and it is believed that the two fires are linked."

Inspector Emma Kay, of Peterlee Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Additional officers will be patrolling the area, which I hope will offer some reassurance to residents.

“I would ask that if anybody has information that may assist us in our investigation, they get in touch with us as soon as possible.”

Anybody who witnessed the incident or has CCTV footage of the area is asked to contact DS Ford-Stubbs of Peterlee CID on 101.

Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to FireStoppers on 0800 169 5558 or by visiting firestoppersreport.co.uk A reward is offered by Firestoppers for information that leads to a conviction.

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