No place for arson boy

A 12-year-old boy accused of arson is under constant one-to-one
supervision by a social worker because there are no secure
accommodation places.

The boy appeared before magistrates in Keighley, West Yorkshire,
last week charged with starting a fire in a pub.

The court agreed to remand him to secure accommodation but
social workers could not find a place.

John Godward, Bradford Council’s chairperson of the children’s
services sub-committee, said: ‘Despite our social workers’ best
efforts, there were no places available.’

The boy has been placed in a children’s home until a place can
be found.