Man, 50, charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life after string of house fires in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire
A man has been charged with intending to endanger people’s lives as he stands accused of three arson attacks.
The 50-year-old was arrested after the blazes on Friday morning and after the charges were authorised will appear in court on Monday, having been remanded into custody. He faces one count of dangerous driving and three counts of arson with intent to endanger life.
Three people – two teenagers and a woman - were taken to hospital for treatment. One teenager sustained burn injuries and smoke inhalation while the other two were treated for smoke inhalation. Their injuries have been described as not life changing or life threatening.
The fires were set within a 20-minute period from 7.05am on Friday, within two miles of each other in Ashby-de-la Zouch, Leicestershire, in Holywell Avenue, Prestop Drive and Clifton Drive. The emergency services confirmed they were all started deliberately. The three injured people were taken to Nottingham's Queens Medical Centre hospital for treatment.
The 50-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving and three counts of arson with intent to endanger life. The man, who has not been named by police, will appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court.
Det Insp Jim Willoughby of Leicestershire Police said on Friday: “Our investigation remains at an early stage as we continue to piece together the circumstances behind these three incidents.
“From what we know so far, we believe these incidents to be linked and deliberately caused by the same person. I would ask anyone who may have any information about any of these incidents, to please get in touch.”
The fire service said they sent five pumps and an aerial ladder platform to the scene of the first blaze.
“Five pumps are attending plus the aerial ladder platform – four breathing apparatus are being used to tackle the blaze. Crews have also attended a house fire on Prestop Drive, also called in this morning. This fire has been extinguished and all persons at this address have been accounted for.”
Anyone with further information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident 104 of November 21. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.