Police bail youth over sisters' fire deaths

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A 17-year-old boy was arrested hours after Tatum Spence, 14, and her sister Demi, 12, died from smoke inhalation following the blaze at their three-storey home in South Shields, South Tyneside, early on Wednesday 4 March.

Their father John, a 37-year-old doorman, was badly injured and remains in hospital. Their mother Anita, also 37, was released after treatment.

Police were continuing their investigations after releasing the youth.

Earlier, Det Chief Insp Mick Paterson, who is leading the police investigation, said: "The whole of the investigation team are touched by the level of sympathy shown by members of the community around Lisle Road and the number of flowers that have been placed outside the house.

"It is this that brings home the focus of the investigation to establish what led up to these deaths.

"Our thoughts go out to the family at this very sad time."

Northumbria Police appealed for witnesses to contact the incident room in South Shields on 08456 043043.