A PIECE of clothing which may have been used to start a flat fire has been sent for tests.

Police hope the burnt clothing will provide vital clues to the fire, which happened in a flat in Hopelands Court, Heighington, near Darlington, on Friday night.

The fire resulted in a pensioner receiving treatment for smoke inhalation, at Bishop Auckland Hospital.

Police admit they are puzzled as to why someone would set fire to the pensioner's flat, which is warden controlled.

Inspector Eddie Bond, of Darlington Police, said: "We have sent the item of clothing off for analysis and are still treating the fire as suspicious.

"We would like to hear from anyone with information."

William Reynolds, whose mother Jean is warden of the housing complex, helped the elderly woman out of her burning flat.

"I heard the letterbox going and then, minutes later, saw smoke coming from the hallway," he said. "I went in and got the woman out, before the fire brigade arrived."

Anyone who can help should call police on (01325) 467681.