POLICE have appealed for information following a blaze which badly damaged a partially built retirement home complex.
The fire, which broke out on the second floor of the building in Gloucester Road, Delves Lane, Consett, County Durham, is believed to have been started deliberately.
It is thought intruders gained access by scaling an 8ft fence, entering the ground floor of the building, before setting light to material in the second floor store room.
The fire, which may have been burning for up to an hour before the alarm was raised, caused extensive damage to the roof and flooring.
Estimates suggest repairs could cost tens of thousands of pounds.
Police are aware that youths often congregate in the area.
Police want to speak to anyone saw anything suspicious in the area on the night of the fire, last Friday, particularly between 9.30pm and 10.30pm.
Anyone with information is asked to call (01207) 504204
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