A HEAVILY pregnant woman was recovering in hospital last night after an arson attack that claimed the life of her 11-year-old son.

Dean Pike was found dead by firefighters who forced their way into a house in Hendon, Sunderland, in the early hours of Friday.

Dean's 29-year-old mother, Janine Dodd, jumped from a first-floor window, and then tried in vain to get back into the house, in Mordey Close, on the Deerness Park estate.

Ms Dodd, expecting her second child in August, was taken to hospital with burns and suffering from the effects of smoke. She also had a head injury from the fall. It is thought the unborn child was unharmed.

She was transferred in a critical condition to Newcastle General Hospital.

Last night, she was said to have improved and her condition was described as stable.

Detectives investigating the arson attack said they were disappointed by the response to appeals for information.

Detective Superintendent Barbara Franklin urged anyone with information to come forward.

"The level of response we have had so far from the community has been poor," she said.

"It's particularly disappointing, given the nature of the incident, which has claimed the life of an 11-year-old boy. We still want to speak to anyone who has seen anything suspicious in the area, or who has any background information about Janine."

Detectives have spoken to Ms Dodd's ex-husband and ruled him out of their inquiries, but are keen to trace any other former partners.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-454 7555, extension 66718.