DETECTIVES are looking at possible links between a potential arson bid and a recent garage burglary at the same house.

It follows a petrol bomb attack at the property in Downhill, Sunderland, on Sunday night, when the 47-year-old householder was at home with his son and daughter.

A bottle containing an accelerant was thrown through a window of the house, in Kidderminster Square, and a lit taper was found outside in the street.

Police said the bottle failed to ignite and no one in the house was injured.

The attack came little more than a fortnight after the lock of the garage at the house was forced and property taken.

Among the stolen items were two unregistered motor cycles, a Hyosung 125cc silver and purple machine, plus a red Honda 70cc bike, a compressor and tools.

The break-in took place between 10.30pm on Thursday January 19, and 10.45am the following day.

Detective Inspector Gary Hetherington, of Washington CID, said: "It's unusual to have two incidents so close together and I would appeal for anyone with information about either offence to come forward.

"At this stage, we are keeping an open mind about both incidents."

Anyone with information about the burglary, or the potential arson attack, at 10.45pm on Sunday, is asked to contact Northumbria Police, on 0191-454 7555, ext 66445.