A MAN will appear before magistrates today following an alleged arson attack on a family's home.

The 28-year-old, from Darlington, was arrested after an attack on a first-floor flat in WestMoor Road, on the town's Firthmoor estate, on Tuesday.

Police and fire officers were called to the house at 1am by a neighbour who spotted the fire. The attack is believed to have happened between midnight and 1am.

Rubbish was piled up against the door of the flat and set alight while two people were inside the apartment. It caused damage to the door and stairwell.

The fire was discovered by a neighbour who tried to put out the flames with buckets of water before alerting the emergency services.

The arrested man has been remanded to appear before magistrates in Newton Aycliffe today charged with committing arson with intent to endanger life.