Damping down on arsonists

Kyle said he lost all his friends

A course for young arsonists which uses games and videos to show them the effects of their crimes is claiming a 100% success rate.

The Fire Safe course, run by Derbyshire Fire and Rescue, aims to rehabilitate young offenders.

During the four-week course, convicted arsonists are taught the effects of their actions on businesses and victims.

Course organisers say nobody who has completed the Fire Safe course has gone on to light another fire.

I lost a lot of my friends

Kyle Turnbull, young arsonist

Kyle Turnbull, 14, caused £12,000 worth of damage to Shirebrook School in Shirebrook when he set fire to it.

He said the course had helped him.

"My mum didn't talk to me for ages until I went to court for sentencing.

"I lost a lot of my friends and it could spoil my career when I leave school."

Darryl Longson, from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue, said: "On the vast majority of occasions they have no idea of the likely impact of what they have done.

"It isn't until after the event that they realise the seriousness of their action and the effect it has had on people, on businesses and also the injuries they may have caused."