A SCHOOLBOY arsonist has admitted sparking a warehouse blaze that caused damage worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

The 14-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, yesterday admitted starting a fire at Briggs Roofing and Cladding, Blackett Street, Hebburn, South Tyneside, on September 30 last year.

At the height of the inferno more than 50 firefighters were called to the scene.

They all escaped injury after the roof of the building collapsed.

Householders as far as Wallsend on the opposite bank of the River Tyne were warned to stay indoors as a precautionary measure against potentially harmful smoke.

The boy was granted bail until he returns to Newcastle Crown Court for sentencing.