Test result spells tragedy

A Japanese boy burned down his home, killing his stepmother and two younger siblings, for fear his parents would find out he had lied about his score on an English test.

The 16-year-old is thought to have set fire to the house in Nara, western Japan, with his stepmother, 7-year-old brother and 5-year-old sister inside. The boy's parents had been due to meet teachers about his exam results on the same day.

The teenager told police his father had put him under extreme pressure over his academic performance, Kyodo news agency said.