Police searching for the killer of 11-year-old arson victim Dean Pike have been encouraged by the response for information about a discarded tin of lighter fuel, which would provide vital clues.

The yellow 100ml tin of Swan Extra Refined fluid may have been used to start the blaze that took hold in a house in Hendon, Sunderland, early last Friday. It was found, empty, in a nearby garden, shortly after the fire.

Detectives said last night they had had a good response with lots of people contacting them to say they had bought the product.

Detective Superintendent Barbara Franklin said: "I would like to thank those people who called to say they have bought a tin of this lighter fluid.

"We'll not be sending detectives to see them out straight away, as it is not an immediate priority.

"We have obtained all the information, however, and will probably speak to the people at a later date."

Dean was found dead at the top of stairs in the house in Mordey Close, while his mother, heavily pregnant Janine Dodd, was left critically injured after jumping from an upstairs window to escape the flames.

Ms Dodd, 29, is recovering in Newcastle General Hospital. Her unborn child is said to have survived the trauma, with the birth still expected in August.

The detective leading the inquiry into Dean's death said a man handed the empty tin to police after finding it in his back garden.

It has been sent for analysis at the Forensic Science Service in Wetherby, West Yorkshire, but results are not expected for several weeks.

The tin carried a batch number 5A20, relating to the date of manufacture, January 20.

The incident room can be contacted on 0191-454 7555, extension 66718, or Crimestoppers, on (0800) 555111.