Three boys have been charged after two burglaries and a suspected stolen car were set alight next to a housing estate.

Officers were initially called at around 4am on Tuesday morning (August 13) to reports of somebody trying to break into a house in Coxhoe.

They are alleged to have made off in a dark grey car when the victim turned the house lights on.

A second burglary in which a set of house keys and a knife were taken was also linked to the incident.

An hour later, a car matching the description was reported to be ramming a fence in Kelloe, where it appeared to be stuck.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: "When officers arrived on the scene, the car was on fire and three suspects were seen running away from it.

"Three teenage boys were arrested shortly after on suspicion of arson, theft of a motor vehicle, criminal damage, and burglary.

"Two boys aged 15 and 17 have been charged with arson, dwelling burglary, aggravated TWOC, and failing to provide blood for analysis."

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Appearing at court yesterday (Wednesday, August 15), neither entered a plea and both were remanded on conditional bail until their next hearing. Both were given curfews and will be electronically monitored.

A third boy aged 16 has been charged with arson and failing to provide breath for analysis.

He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody until his next hearing.