Arson spree fear in village with 'influx' of fires

A village has seen eight fires in the space of two weeks, with concerns raised that they are being started deliberately.

Durham Police described the blazes around Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, as an "influx", with many erupting in wooded areas, on the boundaries of fields and near a section of the C2C cycle route.

It said it had received reports of groups of young people being nearby at the time, but officers have made no arrests.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: "What may seem like a small fire can spread rapidly, particularly in dry vegetation, putting nearby homes, businesses, wildlife and members of the public at risk, as well as the firefighters."

The service also claimed responding to these fires meant staff were unable to tackle other emergencies.

Durham Police said its officers "have also noted areas that have been burnt while carrying out patrols".

It said it was continuing to investigate and called for more witnesses to come forward.

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