Probe into fire at car dealership

The fire destroyed six cars and three heavy goods vehicles

A fire which destroyed a number of vehicles at the compound of a car dealership in Darlington is being treated as suspicious.

Emergency services were called to a yard belonging to Darlington Car and Commercial at the back of McMullen Road on Saturday night.

Six cars, two heavy goods vehicles and a transit van were gutted.

The fire service and police have begun a joint investigation, and are appealing for information.

A spokesman for the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue service said fire crews had to cut through two sets of gates to allow the appliances to get inside the secure compound.