Suspected arsonist arrested after cars set ablaze in streets and families evacuated from homes

A SUSPECTED arsonist was arrested after families in six streets where cars had been set alight were led to safety in their nightclothes.

Exploding fuel tanks in the parked vehicles rattled windows as residents, some with children, fled.

Nobody was hurt but ten cars were burnt out.

Police said a 31-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of arson and bailed.

Crews of firefighters were called to deal with the blazing vehicles in Hartlepool at about 1.30am on Friday

Police said residents had to be evacuated as most of the cars were feet from their houses.

One resident said: “Ten cars torched on our street and neighbouring streets. Absolute chaos.”

Cops had appealed for information from witnesses before making the arrest.

They said fires were reported on six different neighbouring streets.

One resident told how his 20-year old Range Rover was set ablaze, with their cars left as charred shells.