23/05/2007

Teen charged over fatal house fire

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of two sisters who died in a fire at their home in Tyneside last month.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named, is due to appear before South Tyneside magistrates court on Wednesday, charged with the murder of Tatum Spence, 14, and her 12-year-old sister Demi-Jade.

Both girls died in the fire, which broke out at their home on Lisle Road in South Shields on April 4.

Their father John, 37, was able to escape from the fire, but suffered serious burns trying to re-enter the house to save his daughters.

The girls' mother, Anita, also 37, was also hurt in the blaze.

(KMcA/SP)

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