Mindless yobs caused fire damage to the home of a frail widow after they pushed a lit firework through her letterbox.

The 81-year-old woman was about to go to bed when the Roman Candle was thrown into her home.

The pensioner was forced to run out of the house in Widgeon Road, Darlington, after seeing the firework ignite the curtain behind her front door.

Last night, police appealed for information after receiving a report that three or four youths had been spotted running away from the area after the incident at 10.30pm on Monday.

The frightened widow managed to escape by the back door and called a neighbour to alert the fire service.

But, by the time the crew arrived, the blaze had spread to her walls and carpet, causing more than £5,000 worth of damage.

Community safety officer for Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Authority, Dave Turnbull, said: "The woman was getting ready for bed at the time of the incident. Had she have been asleep, or not had a working smoke alarm, this could have had much more tragic consequences."

He added: "It is lucky this woman didn't die and that is something the people who did this will have on their conscience. I would hate to be in the culprits shoes now."

Last night, the woman was being looked after by relatives. Mr Turnbull added that the fire service was working with her to reassure her about returning home.

"Obviously, she is very frightened about what has happened," said Mr Turnbull.

"But we are working to reassure her and will discuss fire prevention ideas with her, including fitting her home with a letter box cover."

The fire service is also reminding people that it carries out house assessments and can fit smoke alarms free of charge and work with families to introduce escape plans, in the event of a domestic fire.

Mr Turnbull said: "It is illegal to buy or light a firework if you are under 18. If you are caught, the police can issue an on the spot fine. This is a serious offence and people have died in the past through pranks like this."

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has further information, is urged to call police on 0845 60 60 365.