Police release three men on bail after four people were arrested following Wingate fire

Durham Constabulary has confirmed that three men have been released on police bail while the fourth, a 19-year-old, has been recalled to prison for an unrelated matter following four arrests on Sunday.

The news comes after police presence was stepped up in the village and a dispersal order put in place following two suspected arson attacks on an ex-Marine officer’s family home.

Two men, who were arrested last week on suspicion of arson have been released on police bail, although one of them, a 25-year-old from Houghton-le-Spring, has been charged with an unrelated offence of handling stolen goods and possession of Class C drugs.

Sean Ivey’s house, car and caravan were set alight in a suspected arson attack the early hours of Thursday morning, 18 March while the family were asleep inside property.

Mr Ivey, his wife and their two children were able to escape the fire and told of their horror following the incident.

A second fire then broke out at the ex-Marine officer’s home, just 24 hours after the first fire.

A Durham Constabulary spokesperson said: “Of the four males arrested on Sunday by officers investigating this incident, three have now been released on police bail while the fourth, a 19-year-old, has been recalled to prison for an unrelated matter.

“Two men arrested last week on suspicion of arson have been released on police bail, although one of them, a 25-year-old from Houghton-le-Spring,has been charged with an unrelated offence of handling stolen goods and possession of Class C drugs.

“The investigation continues and anyone with information is asked to contact Durham Constabulary on 101.”

Mr Ivey has said his family will not be moving from Wingate after their home was destroyed in the two suspected arson attacks.

Following news of the first fire, Kevin Miller, who served with Mr Ivey at 45 Commando, set up a fundraiser for the family and by Monday evening, more than £260,000 had been raised.

Police say the investigation into the Wingate fires continues.

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