CHILD-KILLER Mary Bell is threatening to sue a puppeteer who plans to make a film about her crimes.

Bell, who killed Martin Brown, four, and Brian Howe, three, in Newcastle's West End in 1968, was given anonymity for life at the High Court in 2003.

But her solicitors are concerned that a film, which uses puppets to recreate the crimes she committed as an 11-year-old, could breach the court order protecting her new identity.

Plans for the film have caused outrage among the families of Bell's victims, including June Richardson, from Scotswood, Newcastle, mother of Martin.

Film director Newcastle-born Tony Hickson was this week contacted by lawyers acting for Bell, who reminded him of the injunction prohibiting publication of Bell's new identity.

But Mr Hickson, 36, said: "I feel it is a bit ridiculous that they are worried I could have breached this injunction.

"When I spoke to Mary Bell's solicitors they told me she had heard about the film and was not happy.

"I was aware that it would cause upset to the families of her victims, which wasn't my intention, but I am not so concerned about what Mary Bell thinks."

Solicitors acting for Bell want to see the film and check it against the conditions of the court ruling.

Bell's solicitors have declined to comment.