DETECTIVES investigating the death of an 11-year-old boy have arrested a man.

A 42-year-old from Sunderland was arrested yesterday by police officers investigating the death of Dean Pike, following a fire at his home in the Hendon area of Sunderland in the early hours of June 24.

Dean was found dead in the end-of-terrace house in Mordey Close, despite desperate attempts by neighbours to save him. Firefighters discovered the body of the football-mad boy on a landing above a burnt-out staircase.

Police suspected the fire was started deliberately after traces of accelerant were discovered at the front door.

Dean's heavily-pregnant mother, Janine Dodd, suffered serious injuries in the fire and, almost a month after the fire, remains in hospital.

The 29-year-old suffered severe burns, smoke inhalation and a head injury sustained as she jumped from an upstairs window to escape the flames.

Yesterday, she was still receiving treatment in Newcastle General Hospital, where she was said to be making steady progress, although it is thought she will remain in hospital for several weeks.

The pair had lived in the rented house for six weeks.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said yesterday: "A 42-year-old Sunderland man has been arrested this morning on suspicion of murder. He is helping police with their inquiries."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to ring the incident room on 0191-454 7555 ext 66718 or Crimestoppers 0800 555111.