The 17-year-old, who has not been named, will face JPs on Wednesday accused of killing Demi-Jade Spence, 12 and her sister, Tatum, 14.

The girls died when fire gutted their home they shared with their parents Anita and John in Lisle Road, South Shields, South Tyneside last month.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "A 17-year-old male youth has been charged with the murders of Demi-Jade Spence, who was 12, and Tatum Spence, 14, both of Lisle Road."

Mr Spence, 37, a nightclub doorman, leapt from a window to escape the fire but suffered serious burns trying to fight his way back into the house to rescue his daughters.

Days after the fire, in an emotional tribute on www.gonetoosoon.co.uk, Mrs Spence, also 37, wrote of her heartbreak at losing her "angels".

She said: "Tatum and Demi-Jade you were my reason for living. I don't know how I can go on without you my beautiful baby girls.

"You were adored by everyone that met you. One could not wish for better daughters. You had hearts of gold. You lit up a room."

There were also messages from the girls' older brother Shane and uncle Alan.

Fire chiefs and forensic experts have concluded that the fire was started in the living room and was ignited by an accelerant.