A Newton Aycliffe MP has said serious crime "will not be tolerated" after a suspected arson attack ripped through homes in Newton Aycliffe and forced residents to evacuate.
Emergency services were called to Greenlee Garth, just after 1am on Wednesday (October 14) where a terraced home had been set on fire.
Two women inside managed to escape with minor injuries and were taken to hospital.
They have since been discharged.
Alan Strickland, MP for Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor said he is "appalled" after the suspected arson attack.
MP In a statement on social media, he said: "I will not tolerate serious crime in our community.
"I'm appalled by the suspected arson attack in Aycliffe this week and have been in regular contact with Durham Constabulary.
"Thanks to a proactive police response an arrest has been made, and I am supporting residents from the street affected.
"If you have information that might help the investigation, contact the police on 101 or CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
A 26-year-old man was arrested Thursday (October 15) morning on suspicion of arson with intent to danger life.
Scene of the fire
Neighbouring houses were also damaged and had to be evacuated, although the majority of residents have since been able to return home.
Drone pictures show the homes badly damaged with windows charred and the roofs caved in.
Scene of the fire
One resident living nearby described the moment they were woken by what sounded like an explosion.
They said: "It sounded like an explosion going off.
"The whole street was filled with smoke and it happened around 3am this morning."
Another said: "I woke up this morning just after 1am to the sound of screaming.
Scene of the fire
"The screaming is what woke me up and I came outside and saw the fire and all these police and fire engines here."
Scene of the fire
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Firefighters were also back at the scene to determine how the fire was started.
A force spokesperson added: "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."