A Teesside housing estate, built just eight years ago, is to be flattened after persistent arson attacks by youngsters.

The �1m Agecroft Gardens complex in Middlesbrough, was originally built as apartments for single people.

In recent months the area has become the target of arsonists as young as five who have stoned attending firefighters.

Now more than double its building costs are to be spent demolishing the 100-home site.

Setting fires

The English Churches Housing Group, which built the development, has blamed the estate's demise on fewer young people in the town.

A spokesman for Middlesbrough Borough Council says the authority will no longer allow public cash to be used to make the estate safe from vandals.

He said: "We cannot go on pumping money into an area simply to see it go up in flames."

He said the area would be redeveloped as part of a �17m project to build more accessible accommodation.

Crews attacked

The council has warned parents that they will be evicted if their children are caught setting fires or vandalising properties.

Cleveland Fire Brigade says its crews have been attacked several times during calls to the estate.

On one occasion crews were stoned four times in a single day in separate fire attacks at the site.