A MAN has been arrested after a car was left burnt out and a woman alleged she was attacked.
The 32-year-old has been questioned on suspicion of arson and assault after a disturbance on Seaham’s Parkside estate on Sunday night.
Police say they had to use a Taser gun as they made the arrest.
Their investigation began when firefighters were called to the back of the shops in Parkside Crescent just after 6pm when a Nissan Micra was found ablaze.
It had been parked by its owner close to some garages and near to the Post Office, with no other property damaged in the fire.
A woman in her 30s also told police she had been assaulted the street and was left with a split lip.
She did not need hospital treatment.
Officers are investigating whether either is linked to an attack on a car parked in Shrewsbury Street, Dawdon, where a Kia Cerato’s rear windscreen was smashed.
Police were contacted about the damage at 6.20pm.
Sergeant Jim Peel, of Seaham Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We believe people may have heard shouting in the street at the rear of the shops.
“We would ask anyone who saw or heard anything happening in the area at the rear of the shops to get in touch.”
The man remained in custody yesterday as inquiries into the reports were being investigated.
Anyone with information which can help inquiries is asked to contact Durham Constabulary on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.