DETECTIVES investigating the death of a man during a blaze thought to have started when a lit firework was pushed through his letterbox, last night charged a teenager with his manslaughter.

The youth, aged 15, was one of four people arrested yesterday in connection with the death of Arthur Lonsdale. The others, one aged 17 and two aged 15, were released on police bail pending further inquiries.

The 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is due to appear before Sunderland Youth Court this morning.

Mr Lonsdale, 52, a former locksmith, died in hospital two days after the incident, at his home in Westerham Close, Witherwack, Sunderland, on October 28.

The firework, in the hallway of the house, started a blaze while Mr Lonsdale was asleep on the settee.

Mr Lonsdale, known locally as Arky, was apparently woken by the smell of smoke and tried to get out, but collapsed in the hallway. He died later in hospital from respiratory failure caused by smoke inhalation.

Mr Lonsdale, who lived alone, was a cat lover who provided a refuge for abandoned animals, and a number of cats he was caring for died in the fire.

Police mounted an intensive investigation with a 20-strong team of detectives. Hundreds of leaflets and posters were handed out to neighbouring homes.

Last month, two women, aged 27 and 57, were released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of illegally supplying fireworks to under-18s.

The death prompted fire chiefs to call for a ban on the sale of fireworks.

Fire Officer Richard Bull, of the Tyne and Wear brigade, said: "We would support an outright ban on the sale of all fireworks to the general public."

Police said that, despite the arrests, they still needed to speak to witnesses in the vicinity of Mr Lonsdale's house between 8pm and 9pm on October 28.

Detective Superintendent Steve Wade said: "Any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, could help our inquiry."

Anyone with information is asked to contact 0191-454 7555 extension 65017.