A family home came within metres of being set alight after a fire in their garden. 

Police are appealing for information after the blaze on Dallas Court, Hemlington, Middlesbrough, at around 6:25pm on Tuesday. 

A conifer tree was set alight in the garden of a house on Dallas Court, which could have spread to the nearby house. Damage was caused to guttering and a window due to the heat.

At the time of the fire a family was at home but were fortunately able to escape unharmed.

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the incident and has been released on police bail whilst enquiries continue.

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Sergeant Paul Forbes said: “This was a dangerous incident which could have easily resulted in serious injury, or even fatalities, had the fire spread to the house.

"Our enquiries are ongoing and we currently have a teenager arrested. We would encourage anyone with information to call us or pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers.”

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston added: “Decent law-abiding people have an absolute right to protection from this sort of behaviour that blights communities and puts lives at risk.

“Council street wardens were able to act quickly on Tuesday and their actions helped make sure this incident didn’t have even worse consequences. Our wardens are doing a fantastic job in partnership with Cleveland Police and the Fire Brigade.

“But they need the help of local residents to help them identify the tiny minority responsible for this behaviour and bring them to justice.”

Anyone with information has been urged to call Cleveland Police on 101, quoting incident number 164592.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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