A MAN has been charged with double murder over the deaths of two young jockeys in a blaze which ripped through a North Yorkshire block of flats.

Peter William Brown, 37, from the Malton area is set to appear before Scarborough Magistrates court at 10am today facing two charges of murder over the tragedy that claimed the lives of up-and-coming racing stars Jamie Kyne and Jan Wilson.

The fire at Buckrose Court, Norton, in the early hours of September 5, sent the racing world into mourning over 19-year-old Jan and Jamie, 18.

At the time of the fire, residents of Buckrose Court described how they had to jump from windows and climbed down drainpipes to escape the flames, which quickly took hold of the building.

The victims, both promising young jockeys, were found in a flat on the second floor. Their deaths shocked the local community and the wider world of horse racing.

Two other apprentice jockeys, Ian Brennan and Dean Pratt, were injured as they escaped the fire in a three-storey block just off Norton's main street.

The deaths sparked a large-scale police investigation as North Yorkshire police sought to trace the cause of the fire which led to the tragic deaths.

A series of tributes was held at racecourses and yards across Britain and Ireland after the deaths of the young riders and a Malton Fire Disaster Appeal Fund was later set up in memory of them.

Funds go towards the young jockeys' families, with donations so far topping £60,000.

Anyone who can help the ongoing investigation should phone North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060247, quoting the reference number 12090154545.

Alternatively, information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously by phoning on 0800 555 111.