A MAN has been arrested in connection with a shooting and arson attack at a couple's home.

Kevin Wilson, 32, and his pregnant wife Lorna were left badly shaken and had to be moved to another address after three masked men laid siege to their home, at Front Street, Sherburn Hill, near Durham.

Their bull terrier, named Jack, needed surgery to have a bullet removed from its face after getting caught in the cross-fire.

The incident happened at about 10pm last Thursday, when the gunmen reversed a Vauxhall Astra - believed to have been stolen from Newcastle Airport - through the wrought iron gates of Mr and Mrs Wilson's home.

Once in the driveway, they set fire to a white Audi convertible and fired several shots. The couple, who were in the house watching television, escaped unhurt.

Following the attack, the gang fled the scene in a second vehicle, leaving the Astra behind.

A Durham man in his early forties was arrested in connection with the incident at the weekend, and has since been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Officers are now trying to trace the movements of a stolen blue K registration Vauxhall Cavalier, which was discovered at the entrance of Sherburn Village Farm after the attack.

Det Sgt Tony Dumighan appealed for anyone who saw the car before 10pm last Thursday to ring Durham police on (0191) 386 4222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.