POLICE searching for the killer of 11-year-old arson victim Dean Pike have been encouraged by the response to a call for information about a discarded tin of lighter fluid, which may provide vital clues.

The yellow 100ml tin of Swan Extra Refined fluid may have been used to start the blaze in a house in Hendon, Sunderland, early last Friday.

The empty tin was found in a nearby garden shortly after the fire.

Detectives last night said lots of people contacted them to say they had bought a tin of the product.

Detective Superintendent Barbara Franklin said: "I would like to thank those people who called to say they have bought a tin of this lighter fluid.

"We will not be sending detectives to see them straight away as it is not an immediate priority.

"We have obtained all the information, however, and will probably speak to the people at a later date."

Dean was found dead at the top of stairs in the house in Mordey Close, while his mother, heavily pregnant Janine Dodd, was critically injured after she jumped from an upstairs window to escape.

Ms Dodd, 29, is recovering in Newcastle General Hospital.

Her unborn baby survived, with the birth expected next month.

The detective leading the inquiry into Dean's death said a man handed the empty tin to police after he found it in his back garden.

It has been sent for forensic analysis, but results are not expected for several weeks.

The tin carried a batch number 5A20, relating to the date of manufacture, January 20.

Anyone with information has been asked to call police on 0191-454 7555, extension 66718, or Crimestoppers in confidence on (0800) 555111.