AN elderly couple have been forced from their home after an alleged arson attack in a condemned street yesterday.

The fire started at a derelict house in Chapel Row, Ferryhill Station, which has been scheduled for demolition. It quickly spread to the two neighbouring properties.

Sub-officer Peter Iddon, of Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The fire went through the roof. That is off completely and upstairs is gutted, and a good proportion of the roofs each side of it are missing."

A couple living in one of the neighbouring houses returned to find their home on fire. They were cared for by the fire victim support unit of the British Red Cross.

A spokesman for the service said: "I think they're obviously very shocked, but they are absolutely fine."

Sedgefield Borough Council staff went to the scene after the fire was reported.

A spokesman said: "When we found out about it we immediately made arrangements to visit the family and see if we could re-accommodate them."

The couple are believed to be staying with relatives for the time being.

Chapel Row, which contains 25 properties, is scheduled for demolition because of the deteriorating condition of the homes.

Only five are occupied and all but two have been declared unfit for habitation.

The cost of buying the properties, knocking them down and landscaping the area is expected to be £250,000.

But before declaring the street a clearance area, the council has to advertise its intention and serve notices on all interested parties. They will then be allowed 35 days to make representations.

The future of two other streets on the estate, Trafalgar and Nelson Streets, depends on the Three Rivers Housing Association being able to buy properties there for demolition.

A report on the situation is to be presented to the borough council's cabinet on Thursday.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of arson and were last night being interviewed by police.