A 13-year-old boy was arrested yesterday in connection with an arson attack on a tent in which a homeless couple were living.

He was questioned and released on bail pending further inquiries into last week's blaze beside the River Tees at Barnard Castle, County Durham.

Detective Sergeant Donny McCubbin said he was still anxious to hear from anyone who knew anything about the fire, which destroyed the tent in which Kevin and Susan Howe were sleeping.

He said: "We expect to arrest several more youths, but at this stage we can't be sure if charges will be laid."

Mr and Mrs Howe were able to sleep in a friend's house for a few nights after the fire but yesterday had to return to the riverside in a smaller tent. They have camped there for nearly five months.

Mr Howe, a 44-year-old former soldier, said: "We are shattered about having to live again in this little tent, which is hardly strong enough to keep out wind and rain. Our pitch is cold and damp."

The couple lost nearly everything in the blaze and have had to borrow clothes. They have appealed to social services officials for help in finding somewhere to live.

They were evicted from a Home Housing property for £2,500 rent arrears.

Mrs Howe, 39, said: "We have got our finances sorted out now. We have started paying off the arrears and have money to pay rent in advance if we can find a house. We can't spend the winter in a tent."