Car smashes into shop before being set alight in town centre

Police are appealing for witnesses after a car was driven into a shop front before being set alight in Sunderland.

The incident happened at about 11.15pm on July 2 on Ryhope Road in the Grangetown area.

Officers found a silver-coloured vehicle that had been reversed through the front shutters of Tan Solo before being set on fire.

Nobody was injured but there was significant damage caused to the shop and adjacent properties.

Detective Constable Andy Benjamin, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is clearly a serious incident and I’m now appealing for anyone who may have information to assist our investigation to get in touch.

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“In particular, we want to hear from anyone about vehicles matching the image leaving the scene, or anybody who sees anything else of interest on CCTV or ring doorbells.

“Your information, no matter how insignificant you feel it may be, could be crucial to our enquiries.”

If you can assist, please get in touch by sending us a private message on social media, visiting the live chat on our website or by completing a crime update form. Please quote the crime reference NP-20240701-1251.