AN appeal has been launched after a County Durham home was left gutted in a suspected arson attack last week.
The home in Station Town, near Wingate, was completely destroyed in the attack, which was reported at around 2.30am on July 22.
The Northern Echo spoke to Dean and Louise Fox, who said they had been just weeks away from moving into the home after several months in the making.
But launching an appeal for information, PC David Simms of Peterlee CID, said: “This was a devastating incident for the family who have worked so hard to build their dream home for their children.
“If you have any information that might help trace the perpetrator, we would urge you to come forward so we can bring them to justice and help this family as they begin to rebuild.”
At the time, Mr Fox told The Echo: “We were almost ready to move in, we were picking bathroom suites, starting to get the painters in.
“We’d been looking for somewhere to live for years and had finally put all of our life-savings into it."
Mr and Mrs Fox had also thanked the dozens of people who had raised thousands of pounds in an online fundraiser that had been set up by a family friend.
It has since managed to raise around £6,500 for the family with almost 200 people donating to the cause.
The force said enquiries into the suspected arson are ongoing and urged those with information that could help officers identify those responsible to come forward.
- Anyone with information is asked to call Durham Police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 08005-55111.
- To donate to the cause - click here
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here