A man has been arrested after 10 cars were set on fire in a residential street.

Police said a 42-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and assault following the incident in Milburn and Wilson Street, Crook, County Durham during the early hours of Sunday morning.

The man, who was arrested in Sunderland, remains in custody.

Inspector Ed Turner, of Durham Constabulary, said: “This was a horrific incident for residents and officers across all departments have been working around the clock to identify those responsible.

“We will continue to do everything we can to bring the perpetrators to justice and continue to appeal for anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward.”

MP Richard Holden, who represents North West Durham, visited Crook and spoke to officers.

He said: “Understandably, this serious crime has left local people shocked and distressed.

“The targeting of decent hard-working people in the local community in Crook is despicable and so I am delighted that Durham Constabulary have managed to make a speedy arrest in this case.

“I know how much our local officers care about serving our community, and this is the latest such example with many coming in on rest days in order to help gather evidence and pursue this investigation.”

He added: “I hope that whoever is responsible for this horrific crime is prosecuted to the fullest extent and feels the heavy weight of the law.”