New leads in arson hunt

BBC Crimewatch made a reconstruction of the attacks

Police in Tyneside say the are following new leads in their hunt for those responsible for a year-long arson spree.

Northumbria Police say the response to a BBC Crimewatch reconstruction of arson attacks in the Newcastle area has been "very encouraging".

There have been nine fires at truck and coach depots in the area over the past year, causing almost £18m of damage.

In each attack, arsonists broke into secure compounds, smashed cab windows and poured flammable liquid onto vehicles.

Reward offered

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "We are following several new lines on inquiry after the Wednesday night television programme.

"The response so far has been very encouraging.

"Officers are carrying further inquiries over the course of the next few days."

A reward is being prepared by hauliers hit by the arson attacks.

The first attack was at Newcastle City Council's City Works depot at Heaton on 14 June, 2001, where £2m of damage was caused to vehicles.