A 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old youth were charged overnight with killing Damian Clough who died in a house fire in Keighley last weekend.

The pair were due to appear at Bradford Youth Court today charged with the manslaughter of the autistic 12-year-old who died as fire swept through his home in Kinara Close, Stockbridge, Keighley, late on Saturday night.

Damian’s family were continuing their struggle to come to terms with their loss and were being supported by specialist liaison officers.

Social Services also confirmed they had “provided support” for the family before the tragedy and its care team was now working to offer more support “during this difficult time.”

Damian’s parents have asked for privacy as they grieve but his teenage sister Kayleigh has posted her own heart-breaking message on a tribute website.

It reads: “My baby brother I don’t no what me and mum are going 2 do without you, you was such a big part of our lives, im going so miss your beautiful smile+your hugs and kisses so much. You made it a nightmare 2 live with but now your gone 2 live with again it would be a dream.”

Earlier this week murder squad detectives arrested five males on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life but went on to release two 16-year-olds and a 17-year-old youth without charge.

Bingley Magistrates Court granted extra time for police to continue questioning the other two – a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old – who were finally charged overnight.

Damian, who was believed to have been left alone in the house, was discovered in his bedroom by firefighters and was pronounced dead at the scene. A post mortem revealed he died of smoke inhalation.

Residents had crowded into the street as the fire took hold shortly before 11.30pm on Saturday.

Police cordoned off the area while firefighters battled to quell the fierce blaze, which started in the semi-detached house’s lounge.

Damian’s parents, David and Julie, had previously appealed for help to convert their bathroom to help their son. In 1999, the couple celebrated after receiving a grant of more than £9,000 for the project to turn the home into an “accident free zone” for Damian.