The owner of a diner which was left in ruins in a cruel arson attack was left devastated after a fire broke out at his new premises just months later.
CL's Diner in Blackhall, County Durham, was set on fire in the early hours of Friday, July 17 after only opening in May.
Its owner, Corey Longstaff then teamed up with Vicki Hutchinson to set up C&V's diner on Eden Street in Horden which opened last month.
But tragically, a fire broke out at the new premises on Tuesday, November 17 at around 10pm leaving Corey devastated once again.
It's the third time Corey has faced a setback with vandals also breaking in and setting off fire extinguishers back in May.
Thankfully after the initial fire, the local community rallied around Corey and set up a fundraising page to help raise funds for the much-loved diner and Corey bounced back.
And despite the most recent fire, Corey said in a defiant post: "I can’t believe I’m writing this but it’s happened again sorry everyone but we will be closed until further notice!
"You might burn us out but you can’t break us! We will be back again."
Durham Constabulary and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene and an investigation is now under way.
Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Lawrence, of Durham Constabulary, said: "We were called to reports of a fire at a business premise on Fifth Street, Horden, at about 10pm on Tuesday evening.
"No-one was injured.
"Our enquiries are ongoing. In the meantime, we have increased the number of patrols in the area.
"We would ask one who witnessed the incident or has any CCTV to call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident reference 412 of November 17.
"Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
A County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Reports of a fire in a business premises on Eden Street, Horden, came into our control room at 9.59pm on Tuesday, November 17.
"Two crews from Peterlee attended the scene together with our colleagues from Durham Police.
"Crews worked hard to extinguish the fire and left the scene at 11.30pm.
"An investigation will now be carried out into the cause of the fire."
