POLICE are warning that arsonists who have torched two wheelie bins could be putting lives at risk.
The fire-raisers struck twice at South Hetton in east Durham, during the weekend - first at Argyle Square, on Friday night, and then at nearby Argyle Place, on Sunday night.
In the second incident firefighters wearing breathing gear forced their way into two nearby flats, because the two elderly occupants were trapped inside by the smoke and flames.
Both pensioners were unharmed and the fire was quickly put out.
A Durham Police spokeswoman said both fires were started between 10pm and 11pm and appeared to have been ignited using some kind of accelerant. She warned that the arsonists could have put people's lives at risk.
"Our concern is that the smoke posed a danger to residents, but there was also a danger that the fire could have spread to the flats.''
She said: "We are urging anyone who saw anything, or has any information about either incident, to come forward.''
Anyone with information is urged to contact Peterlee police station on 0191-586 2621.
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