Football star's car torched in arson attack

The England under 21 forward's new chrome-plated Range Rover was set ablaze as it stood on the drive of team mate Kevin Nolan's country house.

Carroll, who was recently awarded a new five-year contract, is staying at the house of the Magpies' captain as part of his bail conditions after being charged with assaulting a teenager.

Nolan's garage door was also daubed with graffiti during the attack on Wednesday night.

Police were called after the men saw Carroll's Range Rover in flames on the drive. Firefighters arrived at about 7pm.

Security men stood guard outside the detached house in leafy Darras Hall, Northumberland, yesterday as forensic experts combed the scene for evidence.