TWO youngsters have admitted starting a fire at a property in which a woman was injured.

The pair, both seven-year-olds, admitted the offence during questioning by police. They will not face criminal charges as they are under 10 -- the age of criminal responsibility.

Detective Sergeant Ian Critchley, of Darwen CID, said the pair were questioned by police following certain lines of inquiry and, along with the appropriate adults, had received a talking to by officers and their details will be kept on file.

A fire broke at an address in The Lea, Darwen, last Wednesday after a burning item, most likely cardboard, was stuffed through a letterbox. The female occupant of the house received burns to the hands, although has now fully recovered.

DS Critchley said the incident was one of a number of similar fires in the area targeting premises, and warned that lives were being put at risk.

He said: "I hope that these two youngsters have learned their lesson from this and our message to other youngsters is do not start fires.

"It was very lucky that this fire was quickly brought under control before resulting in more serious injuries to the occupant. It is not just residents' lives being put at risk but their own as well."

Earlier this week a Darwen fire chief urged people to report all incidents following a spate of arson attacks at a hostel in the town.

In the latest blaze on Saturday, two people had to be rescued from the hostel, in Police Street. Detectives are still investigating the blaze.