An arson investigation has been launched following a workshop fire this weekend.

Durham Police have confirmed they received a report of the blaze on Burn Street in Bowburn shortly before 7:30pm on Sunday (February 18).

They added a two-storey garage behind the street, as well as a number of vehicles, suffered “extensive damage.”

A Durham Police spokesperson said: “Shortly before 7.30pm on Sunday (Feb 18) Durham Constabulary were alerted by colleagues from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service to a fire at a workshop in Bowburn.

“A two-storey garage behind Burn Street suffered extensive damage, along with a number of vehicles which were inside at the time, including a motorbike and a Land Rover.

“A joint arson investigation is now underway, including a forensic examination of the scene, house-to-house police enquiries and examination of CCTV footage from the area.

“Anyone with information or who saw anything suspicious in the area is asked to ring Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 374 of February 18.”

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) confirmed they received a report of a garage fire on Surtees Avenue in Bowburn at around 6:40pm.

They confirmed three appliances attended the incident.

A picture from the scene showed the building engulfed in flame with smoke billowing from the structure.

Most read:

Grab our digital subscription for £5 for 5 months and stay connected with local happenings.​ Click here.

A spokesperson from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) said: “At 6.40pm yesterday (Sunday), we received a report of a garage fire on Surtees Avenue, Bowburn.

“A total of three appliances attended the scene to tackle the fire, remaining on scene until 9.30pm.

“CDDFRS are working closely with Durham Constabulary to establish the cause of the fire.”