A WOMAN suspected of setting her own house on fire has appeared in court charged with arson with intent to endanger life.

Residents of First Street, Bradley Bungalows, near Leadgate, Consett, County Durham, were evacuated after the ferocious blaze broke out at about 8.45am on Saturday.

Katrina Livingstone, 37, who lived there with her mother, Margaret Carroll, appeared before Peterlee Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Both women were taken to the University Hospital of North Durham suffering from burns and smoke inhalation, as well as injuries sustained before the fire took hold.

Mrs Carroll, who is in a stable condition, was also arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

John Garside, prosecuting, said: “The house is now uninhabitable.

“The occupants were found lying in the rear garden lying on the grass.”

Ms Livingstone was in a critical condition over the weekend, but was released into police custody and charged on Tuesday.

Nobody else was injured in the fire, but the bungalow was destroyed, and neighbours were kept from their homes all day.

No representations were made on her behalf and no application for bail was made.

Ms Livingtone has been remanded into custody and the case against her has been adjourned until February 18 when she will appear at Durham Crown Court.