TWO teenagers posted a homemade smoke bomb through a letterbox as a prank, a court heard.

Grant Young, 19, and a 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to arson at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court today (Thursday, July 10).

Katherine Hannah, prosecuting, said the pair, both from Darlington, had created the bomb using a golf ball and tinfoil before posting it through the front door of a property at Chepstow Court in the town, on the afternoon of June 7.

Ms Hannah said: "[The victim] and his son went into the hallway as the smoke alarm was sounding.

"They found the inside front door was on fire, with the letterbox surrounded by flames."

The resident managed to put out the fire and called the police, while his son looked out of the window.

Young, of Trafford Close, was seen with his accomplice in a nearby telephone box.

He was holding a lighter.

Both defendants made full admissions when interviewed by police but said they had only intended to smoke out the property as a prank.

Magistrates adjourned the case for reports.

The youth was given unconditional bail until his next appearance at a youth court in Newton Aycliffe on Monday, August 4.

Young also received unconditional bail and will next appear before magistrates on Newton Aycliffe on Thursday, July 31.

No mitigation was given.