Published at 11:11, Thursday, 17 May 2012

A TEENAGER has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life after a house fire.

Fire crews were called to a house in Thorny Road, Thornhill, Egremont, after a fire started in a bedroom.

A man and his pregnant daughter were in the house at the time but escaped uninjured after being alerted by neighbours and a smoke alarm. Three fire engines from Egremont, Whitehaven and Seascale responded to the emergency call, at 11.30am on Saturday. The fire caused an estimated £1,000 damage.

Watch manager Lynsey McVay said: “We discovered two small fires in the bedroom. We believe curtains had burned and there was another fire in the centre of the room.

“It was discovered very quickly and the smoke alarms activated. The fire was confined to the bedroom.”

The fire service is assisting the police investigation.

Oliver Morfoot, 18, of Thorny Road, Thornhill, was arrested in connection with the incident and charged with arson with intent to endanger life by recklessness.

His 22-year-old brother, Lucas Morfoot, of Thorny Road, was charged with affray, assault and possession of an offensive weapon.

Both will appear before West Cumbria Courthouse on June 1.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk