A 31-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a spate of arson incidents which occurred overnight in Hartlepool.

Police received a report of vehicle fires on Caledonian

Road, Baden Street, Shrewsbury Street, Lansdowne Road, Osborne Road, Stockton Road and Brinkburn Road at around 1.30am this morning (18th August).

A total of eight vehicles were damaged and a small number of residents were evacuated from their homes for a short period of time.

The 31-year-old man has ben arrested on suspicion of arson and he remains in police custody at this time.

District Commander for Hartlepool, Superintendent Martin Hopps, said: “We know these incidents have caused some concern for residents and officers will be in the area carrying out high visibility patrols today and over the weekend to reassure the public.

“I would urge anyone with information or any CCTV or dash cam footage that could help with our enquiries to get in touch with us.”

Officers are appealing for anyone with information or anyone with any relevant CCTV or dash cam footage to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting reference number 164288.

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