A WOMAN who suffered 40 per cent burns to her body in a Darlington flat fire is recovering and helping police with their investigation.

The woman’s ex boyfriend, 40-year-old Edward McArthur, of Geneva Road, Darlington remains in custody charged with attempted murder and arson with intent to endanger life following the August 4 incident.

He is due to appear for a case management hearing at Teesside Crown Court on November 4 and Detective Constable Mick Trodden of Darlington CID confirmed his alleged victim has now spoken to officers.

Det Con Trodden said: “She has spoken to the police and provided an account.

“She is still poorly but making good progress. She is out of hospital and being supported by friends and hospital.”

Dozens of firefighters were called to tackle the blaze when it broke out in a flat above a convenience store on Geneva Road on the night of August 4.

Mr McArthur was arrested soon afterwards and did not enter a plea at a hearing at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court on August 8.

The court heard how his 30-year-old former partner had jumped from the burning flat after being doused in petrol.

She suffered a fractured skull along with burns to her arms, feet and face and received treatment at Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.