A teenage boy has appeared in court after deliberately starting a building site fire which spread to an elderly person's house.

Emergency services were called to reports of a fire in Gudmunsen Avenue, Bishop Auckland, shortly after 4.30pm on Monday (Febuary 5).

Firefighters extinguished the flames  and prevented it from spreading further.

 A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested and charged with arson.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: "Police were called to reports of a fire on Gudmunsen Avenue, Bishop Auckland, shortly after 4.30pm on Monday (February 5).

"Crews from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service also attended and extinguished the fire, which had spread to an elderly neighbour’s home.

"Thankfully nobody was injured in the incident. A 14-year-old boy was arrested and charged with arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

Get more from The Northern Echo and start 2024 informed with 50% off an annual subscription or enjoy 3 months for just £3. Dive into local news and fulfil your resolution to stay updated. Click here.

"The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court this morning where he pleaded guilty to the offence."

The boy was remanded into a youth detention centre ahead of his sentencing on March 1.