POLICE are investigating a suspected arson at an empty house yesterday.
Firefighters were called to the unoccupied property in Feetham Avenue, in the Haughton area of Darlington, at 4.40pm.
Initial reports suggested someone may have been trapped inside but that proved not to be the case.
Two fire engines from Darlington and one from Newton Aycliffe attended the blaze, which started in a back bedroom.
PC Michael Woolston, from Darlington police, said: "We are not sure yet as to what started the fire. We are treating it as suspicious."
He said there was no forced entry but scenes-of-crime officers would be investigating.
Mark Jenkinson, the owner of the house, who lives in Haughton Road, said: "A neighbour from across the road came to my house to tell me. Nobody lived there. I don't know anything until the police have been in."
Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call police on 0845 606 0365.
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