POLICE in Darlington are working with the local authority in an effort to stop youngsters setting fire to derelict homes on a housing estate.

In the past two months there have been a number of arson attacks on the Firthmoor estate, caused by youngsters who are getting into boarded-up homes and setting fire to rubbish.

Firefighters have warned that these arsonists, some as young as seven, are putting lives at risk.

Darlington police are also concerned, and have taken up the matter with Darlington Borough Council.

Beat officers have been in discussions with the council to see if demolition work can be speeded up.

Detective Sergeant Alec Francis, of Darlington police, said: "We have taken a number of calls about the fires and are pursuing positive lines of inquiry.

"We are as anxious as anyone for the remaining houses to be demolished to prevent this sort of crime."

A council spokesman said the work was nearly complete and, in the meantime, it was doing all it could to secure the properties.

Anyone with information about malicious fires is asked to contact the confidential Crimestoppers line, on (0800) 555111.