Tower block arson accused appears in court

A MAN accused of setting a blaze in a Portsmouth tower block that saw five people treated in hospital has appeared in court.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Oct 2016, 12:07 BST
Updated 31st Oct 2016, 09:44 BST
The aftermath of the blaze at Handworth House, Quinton Close.The aftermath of the blaze at Handworth House, Quinton Close.
The aftermath of the blaze at Handworth House, Quinton Close.

Peter Arrandale, 59, of Quinton Close, appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court via a video-link from HMP Lewes.

He is charged with arson with intent to endanger life or recklessness as to whether it would be endangered over a blaze at Handworth House in Portsmouth.

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It comes after firefighters rushed to tackle a blaze at Handsworth House,in Quinton Close, Somers Town at around 4am on Thursday, September 29.

The fire happened on the thirteenth floor of the seventeen storey block and left two members of the public and three firefighters having to be treated in hospital.

Arrandale entered no plea during the brief hearing.

Judge Robert Hill adjourned the case for two weeks so Arrandale can get a solicitor.