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More than £150,000 raised for ex-Marine's family after house destroyed in two arson attacks

More than £150,000 has been raised for a Wingate family whose home, car and caravan were destroyed in two arson attacks.
By Poppy Kennedy
Published 21st Mar 2021, 12:46 BST- 2 min read
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While Sean Ivey, his wife and two children slept in their Taylor Grove home, a fire broke out in a suspected arson attack in the early hours of Thursday morning (March 18).

Their home, car and caravan were destroyed in the attack but the following day a second fire broke out and there is now ‘nothing left’ of the family-of-four’s home.

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Mr Ivey, an ex-Marine who is now a teacher, spoke of his horror following the first fire and a Just Giving page was set up by former colleague Kevin Miller to raise £2,000 to support the family.

Sean Ivey outside his home in Wingate which was destroyed in two arson attacksSean Ivey outside his home in Wingate which was destroyed in two arson attacks
Sean Ivey outside his home in Wingate which was destroyed in two arson attacks
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In a matter of days, more than £155,000 has been raised to help support the family as more than 6,500 people donate to support them in their time of need.

On Thursday, March 18, Durham Constabulary said a 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson following the first fire.

The force confirmed a second blaze at the property at around 1am on Friday was also being treated as arson and a second man, aged 25, was arrested on suspicion of arson on Friday, March 19.

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The dad-of-two spoke of his terror after he and his family had to flee their home on Thursday morning when the first fire broke out while they were asleep.

Their family home in Wingate has been destroyed.Their family home in Wingate has been destroyed.
Their family home in Wingate has been destroyed.

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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Just Giving organiser Mr Miller said there was ‘nothing left of the family’s home following the second blaze.

An investigation is ongoing. Photographs by North News and PicturesAn investigation is ongoing. Photographs by North News and Pictures
An investigation is ongoing. Photographs by North News and Pictures
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In the latest post on the Just Giving page, Mr Miller said: “It’s amazing to see all the kind words and messages of support for Sean and his family. How generous people have been with donations really has just blown me away. Thank you everybody.”

To donate to support the family visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/seanivey

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