A second person has been arrested after two houses and several cars were torched.

A 27-year-old man and a boy of 17 remain in police custody in connection with incidents at three properties in Stockton last night. (Thursday May 2)

Enquiries are continuing into reports of incidents shortly after 11pm on Hawthorne Road, Faraday Drive and Myrtle Road where two properties and a number of cars were set alight.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the incidents.

Following further crime scene examination and liaison with witnesses at the scene, it has now been established that there is no evidence that a firearm was discharged at any of these incidents as previously thought

Officers continue to link these incidents at this stage and believe that they are targeted attacks.

A 17-year-old boy arrested yesterday evening remains in police custody and a 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of affray.

He also remains in police custody.

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Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Stuart Hodgson, said: “I understand that these incidents will be concerning for local communities, but I would like to reassure local residents that we believe these are targeted incidents, which are being linked at this time.

“A number of arrests have been made and our enquiries are continuing. We are appealing for witnesses and would request that anyone with information gets in touch.

“High visibility patrols will take place in the area to reassure the local community.”

Detectives continue to appeal for witnesses to the incident and CCTV or dash cam footage, and would ask anyone with information to contact Cleveland Police on 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call 0800 555 111.