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Police car 'written off' in arson attack

Jonny Manning
BBC News, North East and Cumbria
Cleveland Police The police car's smashed window and burnt interiorCleveland Police
No-one was inside the police car when it was set ablaze

A police car was deliberately set on fire while parked on a residential street, sparking an arson investigation.

The unoccupied car was parked on Waterford Road in Stockton-on-Tees when a brick was smashed through one of its side windows.

It was then set alight causing extensive damage to the vehicle, which has since been written off.

Cleveland Police said officers have increased patrols in the area.

Ch Insp Dan Heron described the attack as an "incredibly serious crime".

"The police car has been written off, and that means a much-needed resource that is used to respond to emergency 999 calls is now no longer available," he said.

Cleveland Police The brick lying on the burnt rear seats of the police carCleveland Police
A brick was used to smash through the car's window before it was set on fire

The attack took place at about 14:30 BST on 29 May.

Anyone with CCTV or dash cam footage has been asked to come forward.

Cleveland Police The steering wheel and burnt front seats of the carCleveland Police
The car has been written off meaning it can no longer be used for emergency calls

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