Family's fear after house is targeted by arsonist who set fire to their home while they were abroad

A heartbroken mum who learned of a deliberate fire at her home while she was abroad has called on the public to come forward with information to catch the culprit.
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Rita Lincoln was in Doha visiting her daughter when she and husband Clive learned of a blaze at the family’s home in Durham Grove, Jarrow.

An arson investigation has been launched by Northumbria Police following the incident, with Rita urging the local community to speak up if they saw something on the night of the blaze.

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She her family have lived at the address for almost two decades.

Damage to the home in Durham Grove, Jarrow.Damage to the home in Durham Grove, Jarrow.
Damage to the home in Durham Grove, Jarrow.

“I just can’t get my head around it,” she told the Gazette.

“We’ve never had any arguments with anybody and no problems in 19 years. It’s ridiculous.”

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that it sent two crews, from Hebburn and South Shields, to the blaze on Wednesday, February 19 shortly after 8pm.

The property was left severely smoke damaged by the fire, which began in the hallway of the home. The front door and downstairs hallway were badly damaged by heat.

Rita says her family has been left heartbroken following the blaze.Rita says her family has been left heartbroken following the blaze.
Rita says her family has been left heartbroken following the blaze.
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A police spokeswoman added: “Inquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire, however it is currently being treated as arson.”

Rita and Clive, parents to Lauren, 23, and Sophie, 16, now face months of uncertainty while investigations continue at their address.

The pair and their youngest daughter are now seeking temporary accommodation – but Sophie has been left scared to go to sleep due to the thought that someone deliberately targeted their home.

Many of the family’s precious belongings also fell victim to the fire, including Sophie’s prom dress, which has been ruined.

An investigation is underway into the fire, which is being treated as arson.An investigation is underway into the fire, which is being treated as arson.
An investigation is underway into the fire, which is being treated as arson.
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Rita, 48, said: “I just want them caught. I can’t rest until this person, or persons, are caught.”

“They don’t realise the damage that they have done, who would think of going and doing something like that?”

Rita also thanked family, friends and neighbours who have supported them since the fire.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference number 1051 19/02/20.