Two arrested in Deneside, Lanchester ‘arson attack’

Emergency services were called to Deneside in Lanchester at around 7.40pm on Friday (December 26) following reports of a fire at the address.

Durham police say the property was unoccupied at the time, and no one was hurt.

However, the fire caused significant damage to the property.

Emergency services were called to Deneside in Lanchester at around 7.40pm on Friday (December 26) (Image: CONTRIBUTOR)

A man aged 27 and a 17-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of arson and are currently in police custody.

An investigation is underway, and detectives are appealing for anyone with any information to get in touch.

Police have asked people with information to contact them on 101, quoting incident reference number 323 of December 26.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Ambulance crews were stood down shortly after they arrived at the scene by fire crews.

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called to a fire at a private address in Lanchester, Durham, on Friday December 26 at 8.20pm.

“We dispatched one HART resource (Hazardous Area Response Team) but were later stood down by fire.”

The fire service arrived at 7.39pm to the property, with a spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue saying: “We sent two engines, but then got a request to send two more.

“On arrival, the front of the house was engulfed in flames.

“We remained there until 11pm.”

Pictures taken on Saturday morning (December 27), show the front of the house blackened and charred, with the door missing. 

Its gutter is bent downwards, melted in the blaze, and there are also visible chars on the building’s right side. 

CDDFRS confirmed fire investigators were on the scene this morning and that the gas and electric board had been informed.