A BOLTON teenager accused of starting the blaze which killed firefighter Stephen Hunt has denied arson.

The 16-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded not guilty at Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square today.

She was charged with arson while being reckless as to whether life was endangered. 

The schoolgirl will now stand trial on April 13.

Father-of-two Mr Hunt, who is from Whitefield, died aged 38 battling a fire in Manchester's Northern Quarter at a hair salon in July, 2013.

The girl's father sat behind her in the dock throughout the brief hearing.

Sixty firefighters tackled the fire at Paul's Hair World in Oldham Street as Mr Hunt got into difficulties inside the building.

The ex-soldier and firefighter for five years was taken to hospital but did not recover from his injuries.

His mother, Sue, and stepfather, Wilf, were present at the plea and case management hearing.

The teenager was granted unconditional bail until the trial which is scheduled to last five days.