A BOY aged 11 has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire left a man seriously ill in hospital.
The 62-year-old victim suffered the effects of smoke inhalation after the fire in Wetherby Grove, Gateshead at lunch time today.
He was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle where he is currently in a serious but stable condition.
Police say it appears that litter in a small store cupboard outside the front door of the property had been set on fire.
An 11-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson and released on police bail.
Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on the 101 non-emergency number.
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