Man charged with arson after three Ashby house fires

A man has been charged after three “linked” house fires in the same town in Leicestershire.

Emergency services were called out to the fires in Holywell Avenue – in Ashby-de-la-Zouch – at 07:05 GMT, Prestop Drive at 07:08 and Clifton Drive at 07:19 on Friday.

Officers said two teenagers and a woman were treated for burn injuries and smoke inhalation in hospital. Their injuries were described as not life-changing or life-threatening.

On Sunday, Leicestershire Police said a 50-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving and three counts of arson with intent to endanger life, and has been remanded in custody to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Monday.