A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following a house fire in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. The arrest comes after a blaze tore through a terraced property in Greenlee Garth in the early hours of Wednesday.
Investigation and Arrest
Emergency services were called to the scene just after 1am on Wednesday. The fire caused extensive damage to the house and neighbouring properties, destroying roof spaces, windows and doors. Two women inside the affected property escaped with minor injuries and were taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital, while occupants of other homes were evacuated.
Durham Constabulary has now confirmed that a 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody, and investigations into the circumstances of the incident are continuing. Officers have also confirmed that the two women have since been released from hospital.
Police and Fire Service Statements
A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: "A man has been arrested following a suspected arson in Newton Aycliffe. Emergency services were called to an address in Greenlee Garth, just after 1am yesterday following reports a terraced house had been set on fire.
"Two women inside the address managed to escape with minor injuries and have now been released from hospital. An investigation was immediately launched, and a 26-year-old man has subsequently been arrested this morning on suspicion of arson with intent to danger life."
The spokesperson added: "He has been taken into custody where he remains. The investigation continues into the circumstances and officers remain at the scene today. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident reference number 16 of October 14. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
Fire Crews at Scene
Fire crews remained at the scene for more than four hours on Wednesday, evacuating the area and helping to contain the flames. A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: "Shortly before 1.10am today (Wednesday), we received multiple reports of a house fire in Greenlee Garth, Newton Aycliffe. On arrival, crews were faced with a well-developed fire involving the property and roof space, which had spread into neighbouring homes.
"Two occupants self-evacuated before crews arrived and firefighters evacuated nearby properties and worked to contain the fire, leaving the area at 5.41am. The cause of the fire is under investigation."
