26-year-old Damon Wilkins has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life following a house fire in Haylands, Ryde during the early hours of yesterday morning (Saturday).
It was just before 01:00 that fire crews were mobilised, alongside Police and paramedics, to reports of a kitchen fire at a semi-detached home on Bettesworth Road, as first reported by Island Echo.
The blaze, which caused heat and smoke damage throughout the home, was quickly brought under control by firefighters from Ryde and Newport.
Initial enquiries revealed that the fire may have been started deliberately, which soon led to the arrest of a 26-year-old male on Ryde Esplanade.
Now, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has confirmed that Damon Wilkins, of Bettesworth Road, has been charged with 3 offences; arson with intent to endanger life, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and common assault of an emergency worker.
He has been remanded in custody to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Monday).
UPDATE TUESDAY – 26-year-old Damon Wilkins has been remanded in custody to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on 11th November.
