HEALTH chiefs have condemned as "sickening'' an arson attack that could have burned down a village doctors' surgery.

Firefighters were called to Thornley surgery in Dunelm Road, Thornley, shortly before 1am on Saturday, after a passer-by saw smoke coming from the building.

The fire, which was confined to a storeroom, was quickly put out, but other parts of the building suffered smoke damage.

Police say the blaze was started deliberately, when a window was smashed and burning paper was pushed into the room.

Detectives want to speak to four youths, two girls and two boys, one of whom was carrying a piece of wood that could have been a fence post.

They were seen walking away from the area at about the time the fire broke out, although detectives say they may have had nothing to do with it.

They are urging anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen the youths to get in touch.

Detective Sergeant Steve Chapman said: "The incident could have been far worse, but, fortunately, the alarm was raised relatively q uickly.

"This meant the fire brigade could put out the blaze before it caused more damage. We are treating this ve in toucry seriously and we need anyone with information to geth as soon as possible.''

Beat officers in Thornley have begun mounting extra patrols through the summer holidays to keep an eye on libraries, amid concern they could be a target for vandals.

Police may now also take in the area's surgeries in the wake of Saturday's incident.

A spokeswoman for Easington Primary Care Trust said a steriliser worth up to £2,500 had been destroyed.

The cost of smoke damage to the rest of the building and replacement of a steel door firefighters cut open to gain entry was yet to be assessed.

She said: "The arson attack has caused considerable damage to the surgery premises and equipment.

"However, it has not prevented us from opening our doors to patients. We were sickened by the attack, but are determined to operate as usual.''

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterlee CID on 0845 6060365. They can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.