Dad speaks of horror after home, car and caravan are destroyed in suspected arson attack while he and family slept inside

By Georgina Cutler
Published 18th Mar 2021, 13:31 BST
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Emergency services were called to a suspected arson attack as a family home, car and caravan in Wingate were set alight while the family slept inside.

Fire crews and police were called to Taylor Grove in Wingate, shortly before 2am this morning, Thursday, March 18.

Dad Sean Ivey says his home, car and caravan were all set alight as he, his wife and two children were asleep in bed.

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The father-of-two said the family escaped before the blaze grew and police confirmed there have been no reported injuries.

A car, house and caravan were set alight in a suspected arson attack in WingateA car, house and caravan were set alight in a suspected arson attack in Wingate
A car, house and caravan were set alight in a suspected arson attack in Wingate

Mr Ivey said: “Luckily we all escaped the fire but it could have been a lot worse, there was so much smoke and the flames just kept getting bigger, it was awful.

"We can’t believe it, we are so distraught and upset that this has happened to our family.”

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Peterlee Police has said a 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and is currently in police custody.

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A caravan was damaged in suspected arson attack.A caravan was damaged in suspected arson attack.
A caravan was damaged in suspected arson attack.

Neighbourhood Inspector Emma Kay, of Durham Constabulary, said: “Thankfully no-one was injured in this incident, but the fire caused significant damage.

“We are urging those living in the community to come forward with any information they may have.

“I would like to reassure residents that extra officers will be patrolling the area and I would urge anyone who sees them to speak to them.”

The father has said that the whole community has been left in shock as people have reached out to him after the fire.

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A family car was also damaged.A family car was also damaged.
A family car was also damaged.

Durham Constabulary is asking anyone with information regarding the incident to contact them on 101, quoting incident reference 23 of March 18 or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

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