A 16-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with setting fire to his parents home in the village of Nieuwleusen, killing his 22-year-old brother.

The fire broke out early in the morning on July 14 and was spotted by neighbours who alerted the boy’s parents by screaming and banging on the window.

But, according to broadcaster NOS, help came too late for the older boy, who died in the blaze.

The younger youth was not at home when the fire was discovered, but walked up to the house a short time afterwards.

The youth has been questioned several times about the fire. Police said on Tuesday they had enough evidence that the fire had been started deliberately and arrested him.