Grieving family devastated by blaze after farm buildings are set on fire just after funeral

The grief-stricken children of a farmer have suffered a devastating blow after buildings were set alight in an arson attack shortly after they attended their dad’s funeral.
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Durham Constabulary is investigating after the blaze on the evening of Saturday, January 16, on a farm on Wingate Lane, off the A181 at Wheatley Hill, close to the Jet service station.

It was spotted by officers as they headed along the main road towards Peterlee at 11.20pm and they worked with firefighters to track down the location of the blaze.

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They found a number of outbuildings had been set alight by the fire, which also spread to a large amount of wood.

The blaze happened on a farm on a private road.The blaze happened on a farm on a private road.
The blaze happened on a farm on a private road.

Today, Monday, January 18, the fire continues to burn as it is monitored by the owners, with further checks planned by the fire service to ensure it remains under control.

Police have confirmed the blaze is being treated as arson and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward as an investigation gets underway.

A force spokesperson said: “The family concerned who have lived in the area for years had just attended the funeral of their father who was a well known member of the community and are understandably devastated by this fire.

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"If anybody has any information about this incident please contact Durham Police.”

The blaze happened at farm buildings off the A181 near to Wheatley Hill service station. Image copyright Google.The blaze happened at farm buildings off the A181 near to Wheatley Hill service station. Image copyright Google.
The blaze happened at farm buildings off the A181 near to Wheatley Hill service station. Image copyright Google.
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County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue service was called to the incident at 11.19pm on Saturday and sent appliances from Peterlee, Wheatley Hill, Durham and its water bowser to the scene.

The crews found two large sheds, spanning 50 metres by 20 metres, well alight and later discovered there was around 100 tonnes of timber also on fire, with asbestos involved due to the panelling of the building.

The teams used ground monitors and two jets to tackle the fire, which now remains under the supervision of the family, with the service to make scheduled visits to the scene.

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Anyone with information which can help inquiries can contact police on 101 and callers are asked to quote reference DHM-16012021-0458.

Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.

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