Crews tackle 24 car fires in city

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Fifteen cars were set on fire in Sunderland city centre in two hours.

More than 20 firefighters were called to the blazes in Millfield and Eden Vale on Sunday, three days after nine cars were attacked in the same area.

Assistant chief fire officer Dave Simpson said: "The amount of fires in such a short time is something that I have not seen in 22 years of service."

A police spokesman said a 19-year-old man and a 33-year-old man had been arrested and released on bail.

'Lives at risk'

Mr Simpson, for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Our resources were stretched and lives were put at risk because of these vandals.

"We had at least 20 firefighters tackling the blazes.

"The smoke alarm at Sunderland Royal Hospital was even triggered because there was so much smoke coming from the nearby car fires."

Andy Gregory, assistant manager of The Royalty Pub in Sunderland city centre, heard one of the cars explode.

He said: "I heard an almighty bang and dashed outside. My friend's car went up in flames so I rang the fire services.

"There were another three cars round the corner that were up in flames.

"I had never seen anything it like it, there were firefighters all over the place as they fought to control the blazes."

Fire crews from Sunderland Central, North Moor and Fulwell stations attended the incidents.