Dispersal order in place and police patrols stepped up after two suspected arson attacks on ex-Marine officer’s home

A dispersal order will be in place in Wingate from 5pm tonight following a second case of suspected arson at the same address in the village.

Police have said that arson is suspected after two separate fires at a family home on Taylor Grove in 24 hours.

A car and caravan were burnt out at house set alight in the early hours of Thursday March 18. A second fire was reported at the same property at around 1am on Friday morning, March 19.

Police are treating both fires as suspected arson.

One man was arrested in connection with the first fire and officers are continuing to carry out live lines of enquiry in relation to the second fire.

Speaking of the second fire Inspector Emma Kay, from Peterlee neighbourhood team said: “Thankfully nobody was inside the property at the time of the incident, but the fire has understandably had a huge impact on the family and the wider community.

“I would like to reassure residents that a number of additional officers, PCSOs and staff are currently patrolling the area on foot, bikes and in cars and will be actively carrying out a number of enquiries as we move into the night and over the coming weeks.

“A dispersal order has also been granted for the next 48 hours meaning officers have the power to disperse anyone causing problems within that time frame.

“People who fail to leave when directed to by officers will be arrested.

“I would encourage anyone with information no matter how small it may be to come forward and help us bring the offenders to justice.”

An fundraising appeal for the family has raised more than £30,000.

Dad Sean Ivey said that he and his wife and two children had to escape the burning house in the early hours of Thursday morning when the first fire broke out.

He said: "We can’t believe it, we are so distraught and upset that this has happened to our family.”

Anyone with any information can contact Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident reference 9 of March 19 or alternatively, via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111 or Firestoppers.

To donate to the fundraiser click here.