POLICE are appealing for information after an arsonist tried to set fire to a house in Darlington.

The offender put lighted paper through the letterbox of a house in Lanethorpe Crescent, Eastbourne.

The flames set fire to the curtains and part of the double-glazed door - but, luckily, the fire died out by itself.

There was no one in the house at the time of the blaze, which happened at 9.40pm on Friday, but it is a very serious offence and Darlington Police want any witnesses, or anyone who might have some information, to get in touch.

Inspector Brian Maudling said: "This could have been a very serious incident, you only have to look at what happened in Sunderland."

In October this year, Arthur Lonsdale, a 52-year-old former locksmith, died after a firework was put through his letter box in the city.

He suffered from smoke inhalation and died two days later in hospital.

Also in October, a teenager was charged after a firework was put through a letterbox in Marrick Avenue, Darlington. He appeared before Darlington Youth Court, but the case was adjourned.

Anyone with information on the latest case is asked to call (01325) 467681, extn 2134.