A TEN-year-old East Lancashire girl charged with two arson attacks on Accrington shops, which endangered lives and caused over £500,000 of damage, appeared in court yesterday

The girl, from Burnley, who cannot be identified because of her age, was brought to Hyndburn Youth Court yesterday, after being arrested by the police.

She failed to appear at the court on Tuesday of last week and magistrates subsequently issued a warrant for her arrest.

Her non-appearance was blamed on a misunderstanding between her mother and father.

In court yesterday the girl neither admitted or denied the offences.

She is charged with starting a fire at Glynn Webb DIY, Blackburn Road, Accrington, on February 12, to destroy or damage property.

The blaze caused £500,000 worth of damage.

She was also charged with starting a fire causing £300 worth of damage to furniture at the Barnes furniture shop, Cannon Street, Accrington, on February 13.

Graham Parkinson, defending, said a third offence would need to be taken into consideration at the next court hearing.

The magistrates granted the girl unconditional bail to return on April 6.