A 60-YEAR-OLD woman has been charged with arson in connection with a bedroom fire at a Sutton Leach home last week.

On Wednesday last week (February 14) fire crews spent almost two hours tackling flames after the blaze broke out in a first floor bedroom involving a mattress at a home on Mill Lane.

Lesley Whittaker, of Mill Lane has been charged with arson with intent and being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

Whittaker appeared today at Liverpool Magistrates' Court accused of starting the fire intending to destroy or damage property or being reckless as to whether property would be destroyed or damaged and intending by the damage to endanger the life of herself and another person at the property, along with others in surrounding properties and others or being reckless as to whether the life of another would be endangered.

The fire, which involved a bedroom mattress, caused severe damage to a bedroom and the rest of the house was also moderately damaged by smoke.

One person, who suffered slight smoke inhalation, was assessed by paramedics but not taken to hospital.

Whittaker was granted unconditional bail.

The case has been sent to Liverpool Crown Court where Whittaker is next due to appear on Thursday, March 22.