THE owner of two stables which were targeted by suspected arsonists has spoken of her disgust over the attacks.

Fire crews were called between 4pm and 5pm on Thursday, March 27, and again between 8pm and 9pm the same day to the stables on Hartburn Avenue, Stockton.

The separate stables which are within the same paddock were set alight and destroyed. On both occasions a group of youths were seen to run towards Ropner Park.

The paddock is home to 20-year-old horse, Dylan, who was not in the stables at the time of the two fires.

His owner, Samantha Nugent, of Newtown, Stockton, said: “At first we thought it could have been kids messing about and accidentally caused the fire but when it happened again the next day we realised it was purposely done.

“It’s disgusting, Dylan is like a baby to me and I am petrified to think someone might come back and hurt him next time. I don’t understand what they have achieved from such a vicious attack.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Jennifer Longstaff from Stockton Police on the non-emergency 101 number or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.