A FAMILY has put up a £1,000 reward for information about a suspected arson attack.

A greenhouse at the Durham Road allotments, in Spennymoor, County Durham, was destroyed by fire overnight on September 9, 2012.

An investigation by the fire brigade and police concluded the blaze was probably started deliberately but no suspect was ever arrested.

Now, 20 months later, Brian Purvis, who was the plot holder at the time of the incident, and his family have renewed the offer of a cash reward for information leading to the conviction of the person responsible.

He said: “We had a family meeting soon after the fire and relatives offered money to come up with this reward for information, to prove it was arson and we want the perpetrators brought to justice.”

Mr Purvis hopes that if the crime is solved it will help put an end to a long running dispute with allotment owners Spennymoor Town Council, which is pursuing him and two others for the cost of clearing the site after the blaze.

A spokesman for Spennymoor neighbourhood police team said: “As with any crime, we would welcome information, any leads will be actively pursued.”

Anyone with information can contact Spennymoor police on 101.