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Pelton residents and police fear arson spree after eight fires in two weeks
Overview
Durham Police and the local fire service have raised concerns over an influx of eight fires in the space of a fortnight around Pelton in County Durham. The blazes have largely occurred in wooded areas, field boundaries, and near the C2C cycle route. While reports indicate groups of young people were nearby, no arrests have been made as investigations continue.
Key points
- Eight fires have erupted around Pelton, County Durham, within a two-week period.
- Blazes have primarily occurred in wooded areas, field boundaries, and near the C2C cycle route.
- Durham Police reported receiving accounts of groups of young people being near the scenes.
- No arrests have been made yet, but police are continuing their investigations and appealing for witnesses.
- The fire and rescue service warned that such fires spread rapidly in dry vegetation and strain emergency response resources.