Rockhouse Dene torched by suspected arson attack

THE emergency services are looking to track those responsible for an arson attack at a well-known County Durham beauty spot after trees and rock faces were severely damaged by the flames.

Firefighters from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service were called to Rockhouse Dene, near Seaham, at around 7.30pm on Tuesday after reports of a deliberate fire.

The fire teams worked to dampen down the flames, which had turned overhanging wildlife and trees black with the ash.

Investigations are currently taking place to establish how the fire was started and who caused it. However, the regional fire service is treating the incident as suspicious.

A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: “Seaham firefighters were called to this fire in Rockhouse Dene. We are led to believe it was started deliberately, and this is not the first incident our crews have attended in this area over the past few weeks.”