A man has been arrested after a van was set alight in an "arson attack” in Seaham.
Police and firefighters were called to Back North Terrace, behind the Aldi supermarket, on Friday (August 14) after a blaze broke out just before 9pm.
Shocking pictures from the scene showed the van engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke pouring from the vehicle.
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service group manager Jon Singleton said two engines were sent to the fire, which spread to nearby properties and fencing.
On Wednesday (August 19), Durham Police confirmed a 60-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson.
He has since been released under investigation while enquiries are ongoing.
Flames were spotted pouring from a fire behind Seaham's Aldi supermarket
(Image: CONTRIBUTOR)
The force also said that nobody was injured during the incident.
A spokesperson said: “Emergency services attended a vehicle fire on Back North Terrace, Seaham, on Friday evening (August 14) at around 8.50pm.
“The fire was brought under control, and nobody was injured.
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"A 60-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson and has since been released under investigation while inquiries are ongoing.”
Mr Singleton previously said: "The time of call was 8.47pm and it was a van fire near the Aldi in Seaham.
"Two fire engines were sent to the scene because we received a call to say that it had spread to nearby properties and fencing. We left at 10.30pm.”