An arson investigation has been launched after a fire destroyed a terraced house in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, in the early hours of Wednesday. Two women escaped with minor injuries and were taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital.
Fire crews faced 'well-developed fire'
Emergency services were called to Greenlee Garth just after 1am, with fire crews facing what was described as a "well-developed fire". The terraced house and neighbouring properties were left badly damaged, with their roof space, windows and doors destroyed.
Occupants of other properties were evacuated while the fire was dealt with. Fire crews were at the scene for more than four hours, leaving the area at 5.41am.
Police and fire service statements
A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: "An arson investigation is underway following a house fire in Newton Aycliffe overnight. Emergency services were called to an address in Greenlee Garth, just after 1am following reports the terraced house had been set on fire."
"Thankfully the two women inside managed to escape with minor injuries and were taken to hospital where they remain. No one else was injured but neighbouring houses were also damaged and had to be evacuated." The spokesperson added: "The majority of residents have now been able to return to their homes. An investigation was immediately launched and officers remain at the scene today as enquiries continue."
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."
A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called to a fire in Newton Aycliffe at 1.25am on Wednesday 14th October 2026. We dispatched one clinical team leader, one crew from our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and one ambulance crew who took two patients to Darlington Memorial Hospital."
Appeal for information
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident reference number 16 of October 14. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
