Sunderland arsonist torched 10 cars and left streets looking like a 'war movie'

An arsonist caused damage worth at least £49,000 to repair after torching 10 cars in two County Durham streets.

Paul Reay set fire to the vehicles in the early hours of February 12 by using a "blowtorch-style lighter" and left the scene looking like a "war film". The 39-year-old completely burnt out many of the vehicles and even caused damage to people's homes as families huddled together in terror.

Reay, of Chepstow Street, Millfield, Sunderland, appeared at Durham Crown Court on Friday via link from HMP Durham to be sentenced for 10 counts of arson. He had pleaded guilty to the offences.