Investigation continues into 4x4 being 'repeatedly' driven into house

Durham Constabulary said no arrests have yet been made in the investigation, which was sparked by an incident at a house in Handley Street in Horden at 11.30pm on Saturday, August 29.

Residents said they had seen a vehicle being reversed into the house three times before speeding out of the street, which is off the A1086 Sunderland Road.

No one was injured in the incident, but people were asked to evacuate their homes until the early hours of Sunday, August 30 while the house was made safe, as the collision caused significant damage to the home.

A silver Suzuki Grand Vitara, believed to be connected to the disturbance, was found on fire in Eastdene Way, off Manor Way.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed it sent a crew to the street after receiving calls reporting the blaze at 11.28pm, with the team using a hose reel to put out the fire.

It was towed away from the scene at around 9.30am on Sunday.

As inquiries continue into the incident, Durham Constabulary has confirmed they are not linking it to a separate report of a firearm being involved in a disturbance in Handley Street on the night of Sunday, August 9, when armed officers held four men while checks were made, with no weapons found.

A neighbour in Handley Street said they were woken by the sound of a car speeding away from the area on Saturday.

They added: “I thought it was hitting the traffic island at the top of the street.

"But I looked out of the bedroom window and saw it being driven into the house.”

Police are continuing to appeal for information which could help the investigation. Anyone who can help is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Cook of Peterlee CID on 101, quoting incident number 453 of August 29.

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