A teenage girl who pushed burning newspaper through a letterbox has been made the subject of a hospital order under the Mental Health Act.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was said to have an interest in fire and Judge Roger Scott concluded that the hospital order should be without restriction of time to protect the public from serious harm.

The youngster was arrested after the arson attack on a flat at Hollingwood Court, Bradford, in December 1999.

Prosecutor Jason Pitter told Bradford Crown Court the occupier had befriended the girl, but had then decided to end their friendship and tried to avoid her.

While he was away from the flat the teenager put lighted newspaper through the letterbox, causing fire damage to the door.

Mr Pitter said the alarm was raised by a neighbour who cleared her husband and daughter from their nearby flat.

The girl admitted arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered and the court heard evidence from a psychiatrist that she suffered a mental impairment and behavioural problems.

The girl is currently being detained at a hospital unit in Northumberland and Judge Scott ordered she should be taken back there.