A LEADING North-East racing trainer last night offered a £1,000 reward for help in catching intruders who started a bedroom blaze at the home of his mother.
The attack - the latest of four in three years - occurred at a farm owned by Howard Johnson but lived at by his mother Hettie at East Park Farm, near Tow Law, County Durham.
The fire had burnt itself out before it was discovered on Tuesday afternoon.
While no one was hurt, one bedroom was completely destroyed and the rest of the rooms suffered smoke damage.
Mr Johnson, who stressed no horses are kept at East Park, said he was "sickened" by the attack, which follows two firebug attacks on a shed and a break-in at the bungalow.
Detectives urged anyone using the road between the A68 and White Lea between 12 noon on Monday and 4pm on Tuesday to ring (01388) 762011
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