A PENSIONER had to be led to safety tonight after youngsters are thought to have torched a rubbish bin outside his flat.
The flames quickly spread across the porched entrance area of Banklands Court, off Brinkburn Road, in Darlington.
The heat was so fierce it blew the glass out of the front door and smoke seeped into the building.
Darlington watch manager John Walkden said: "What people may think is a prank has the potential to be a large scale incident.
"This shows how anti-social behaviour can quickly get out of control. We would ask children to think about the consequences of what they do."
The police will investigate the blaze, which began at about 8.40pm at the building, which is close to the Darlington Railway Athletic ground.
Two fire crews from Darlington responded, as well as a crew from Newton Aycliffe and one from Bishop Auckland.
The pensioner was led to safety while the fire was extinguished and the building ventilated. He did not require medical treatment.
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