A BUTCHER is counting the cost of a suspected arson attack which is the latest in a catalogue of crime to affect his business.

Since he started trading a year ago, Jason Whittaker has had shopfront windows smashed at his premises in Bishop Auckland, two car break-ins and a car stolen. In the latest incident, a fire destroyed his refrigeration van.

Mr Whittaker's butcher's shop, Mr Meat, in Newgate Street, has proved popular, but the fire will affect his delivery service.

Shop staff will have to rely on multiple car journeys to cater for more than 25 customers who take advantage of home delivery.

Police believe the fire was started deliberately in a rubbish skip to the rear of the shop at about 3.15pm.

Mr Whittaker had filled the bin five minutes before a customer entered the shop and told him about the blaze.

Despite a rapid response from a Bishop Auckland fire crew, flames destroyed the engine compartment of the Leyland DAF refrigeration van parked alongside the skip.

The vehicle had a full tank of diesel and had been given an £800 respray three weeks ago.

Mr Whittaker said: "I had put something in the bin and within five minutes someone set fire to it. It is really going to affect our deliveries."

A police spokesman said: "We are treating it as a crime and believe the fire was started in suspicious circumstances."

Police are appealing for witnesses to contact either the Bishop Auckland crime desk or PC Calvin Skinner on (01388) 603566.