A man has appeared in court after several car fires in Crook, County Durham last weekend.

Paul Reay appeared before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court on Saturday (February 18) morning charged with ten counts of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

He was charged yesterday (Friday February 17) evening and remanded in custody overnight.

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The 39-year-old, of Sunderland, did not enter any plea at this stage.

The Northern Echo:

He was remanded in custody and is expected to appear before Durham Crown Court on March 20.

Reay was arrested following the incident in Wilson and Milburn Street in Crook, in the early hours of Sunday (February 12) morning.

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Detective Sergeant Claire Callaghan, of South Durham CID, previously said: “The innocent residents have understandably been left shaken by this horrific incident and officers across all departments have worked tirelessly on the investigation.

“I want to thank the residents for their patience whilst we carried out our enquiries.”

As of Friday evening a 42-year-old man who was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and assault remained on police bail while enquiries continue.

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