Ethel Caterham, of Lightwater, Surrey, who was born in August 1909, succeeded to the title of oldest living person in April.

Merseyside Police said the fire at Woolton Hall, Liverpool, on Tuesday ‘appears to have been an extremely reckless act’.

The former childminder, from Northampton, was ordered to serve 40% of her 31-month sentence in prison before being released on licence.

The staff, who provide support for passengers with reduced mobility at Edinburgh Airport, will walk out on several occasions next month.

The number of asylum seekers being housed temporarily in UK hotels has risen by 8% under Labour on the same point last year, according to newly published data.

Ethel Caterham, who lives in Surrey, became the oldest living person in April after the death of Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canbarro Lucas at 116.