A spate of car fires - thought to be arson - last night saw multiple cars set alight, and nearby residents evacuated from their homes. 

In the early hours of Friday (August 18), there were multiple car fires in the Hartlepool area, with emergency services in attendance. 

Police received reports of fires on Caledonian Road, Baden Street, Shrewsbury Street, Lansdowne Road, Osborne Road, and Brinkburn Road, all in Hartlepool. 

A spokesperson for Hartlepool Police said: "Emergency services are currently dealing with multiple vehicle fires across the Hartlepool area.

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"Police received reports of fires on Caledonian Road, Baden Street, Shrewsbury Street, Lansdowne Road, Osborne Road, and Brinkburn Road.

"A small number of residents have been evacuated and officers are urging people to avoid the area whilst emergency services deal with the incident.

"Anyone with information about any of the incidents should contact us on 101, quoting reference number 164288."