WITNESSES are being sought to a suspected arson attack where a lit piece of cardboard was thrown into a Shildon takeaway shop.

A window was broken at the front of Danni’s Pizza shop, on Church Street, and the flaming cardboard was pushed through the gap.

The attack took place overnight between Saturday, December 28 and Sunday, December 29 but the fire did not take hold.

Shildon police believe the arson attack is linked to an incident on Boxing Day when threats were made to set fire to the takeaway.

The Boxing Day incident took place at about 7pm when there was an argument between takeaway staff and a female customer.

Police are keen to trace the customer who was approximately 15-years of age and who had bleached blonde long hair.

She was wearing a blue tracksuit-style top which had a silver crown diamante logo on the back.

It is thought that the teenager was connected to a green Volvo estate car that was parked outside of the takeaway and which contained two other people.

Anyone who can help trace the culprits should contact Shildon police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.