POLICE say a fire at an Indian takeaway may have been started deliberately.

Fire crews went to the Taj Mahal Tandoori, High Street South, Langley Moor, at about 1.15am on Monday to tackle a blaze that extensively damaged the customer waiting area.

The premises were empty at the time and no one was hurt.

The rest of the shop suffered considerable smoke damage but flats above neighbouring properties were undamaged.

Police say the shop's owner, who does not live on the premises, closed at about midnight on Sunday after a quiet night's trading.

They say they are treating the blaze, which is thought to have started in the waiting area, as suspicious.

DC Mick Kirtley, of Durham CID, said: "The scene is being thoroughly examined by crime scene investigators and specialists from the fire service.

"Early indications suggest the fire may have been started deliberately but it is too early to say for definite.

"If people living nearby, or even passing motorists who may have been in the area at the time, have any information, we would like to hear from them."

Anyone with information should call 0845 6060365 and ask for Durham CID or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.