CHILDREN as young as seven could be behind the latest case of arson on a Darlington housing estate.

Just days after fire chiefs warned that "lives were at risk", another derelict house on the Firthmoor estate was targeted by youngsters.

They broke into the boarded-up house in Eston Moor Crescent on Thursday afternoon and set fire to rubbish.

Firefighters with breathing apparatus tackled the blaze, which was contained to the first floor and loft area.

They spent more than an hour dealing with the fire.

Crews had to contend with a number of obstacles to reach the house.

These included sheets of broken glass and other debris which had been left in the street.

Station Officer Steve Donnelly said that youngsters thought to be aged between seven and eight were spotted near the fire scene.

A firefighter had also overheard youngsters talking about the prospect of targeting another derelict house.

SO Donnelly said: "They are going in and smashing the houses up and then using rubbish to torch them, leaving them in a dangerous condition.

"This exposes firefighters to the possibility of getting seriously injured for the sake of a rubbish fire.

"It is very dangerous, and I don't think these children realise the risks they are putting people at.

"When we go along, there are also children hanging about the area generally causing a nuisance."

A spokesman for Durham Police said they would be willing to offer a police escort for firefighters if the situation on the estate deteriorated further, and help was requested.

Only a handful of the derelict houses being targeted are left.

They are due to be demolished in a matter of weeks, when a housing scheme gets under way.

The police spokesman said: "Boarded-up properties, such as these, do act as a magnet for kids, and often there is nothing stopping them from getting in and causing damage.

"We are aware of the problem on Firthmoor, but the sort of problems being experienced there are not unusual elsewhere in the county."

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