A 15-year-old boy from Peterlee in County Durham could be evicted with his family from their home on the town's Passfield estate.

It follows his conviction for an arson attack on local flats.

Easington District Council has obtained a possession order on the family's home.

That could also prevent the youngster from living anywhere on the estate.

'Strong message'

Chief Superintendent Trevor Watson, from Peterlee police in County Durham, said the decision to obtain the order was not taken lightly.

He said: "It is a strong message to the individual to say that their behaviour will not be tolerated.

"It is certainly not the first port of call. It is not something that would be done as a first option.

"There would be a range of options before we got to that point.

"But it could be we get to a point where there is no alternative."