A NORTH-EAST shopping centre was flooded after wheelie-bin arsonists caused an alarm system to set off sprinklers.
Police believe the damage to stock in the centre may run into thousands of pounds after the early morning attack on the County Durham mall.
Although it was only a bin that was set alight, it had been pushed up to the doors of the Newgate Street Centre, in Bishop Auckland town centre, and smoke drifted through air vents.
Acting Detective Sergeant Tony McDougall, of Bishop Auckland CID, said this had triggered the smoke alarms to activate at about 2.25am yesterday.
"There was a substantial amount of damage caused to the inside of the Newgate Centre. I would imagine it's been in the thousands," he said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police in Bishop Auckland on (01388) 603566
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