A DERELICT York estate plagued by young hooligans has suffered a devastating arson attack.

Three fire crews battled to control the blaze in two boarded up semi-detached houses in Slessor Road, Acomb.

Police believe petrol was poured on to one of the back doors and set alight.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were forced to flee the properties when it was feared the roof would collapse.

They used a turntable ladder and hose reels to extinguish the blaze.

Dozens of former Ministry of Defence (MoD) houses in Slessor Road, Tedder Road and Salmon Road - many of which have been boarded up for some time - are gradually being demolished, but the site has become a magnet for young hooligans.

The Evening Press recently reported the plight of residents still living in some of the run-down homes.

They said youths were making their lives hell while they wait for their new houses to be built on the site.

S Harrison Developments is building almost 150 new homes on the estate and has recently stepped up security, installing a permanent security guard.

Distressed residents gathered to watch firefighters tackle the blaze.

A mother, who lives in a former MoD house nearby, said: "Every day something is happening here. We're being continually abused by teenagers.

"These houses should have been knocked down by now. Fires are being started all the time."

Adam Mitchell, 23, of Foxwood, said: "There are so many little rogues round here.

"The place is in a terrible state." Fifteen firefighters from York and Acomb were called out to tackle the blaze which was reported at about 1.40pm yesterday. No-one was hurt in the incident.

Station officer Joe Calpin said: "When we arrived the houses were well alight. "Due to the condition of the houses we were forced to pull out the breathing apparatus crews."

A police spokesman said they had launched a full investigation into the arson attack.

City of York Council officers have tried to work with residents and the police to improve the situation while demolition work takes place.

A family was recently moved away from the area as part of the effort.

lFirefighters were today still damping down hot spots at the scene of a major blaze on the North Yorks Moors.

Four pumps from North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service were at Fylingdales Moor helping to finally put out the fire, which has raged and smouldered for five days. A huge swathe of moorland between Scarborough and Whitby was destroyed in the fire, which was fought by crews from both North Yorkshire and Cleveland fire services.

Updated: 11:30 Monday, September 22, 2003