Hertfordshire man charged with arson after flat fire
Daniel Blain appeared in court today (10th June)
A man has been arrested and charged with arson in Hertfordshire after a flat fire broke out in Ely Gardens on Sunday (8th June).
Daniel Blain, who's 52-years-old, has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life, arson with recklessness as to whether lives would be endangered and possession of cannabis.
He appeared before Hatfield Remand Court today (10th June) and will remain in custody until his trial.
A Hertfordshire police spokesperson said: "A call was made to Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service on Sunday afternoon, after a fire broke out at a block of flats in Ely Gardens.
"Police attended to assist at the scene while the building was evacuated. Thankfully, all residents were confirmed as safe and uninjured.
"Following an examination by fire investigators and scenes of crime officers, it was confirmed that the fire originated inside one of the flats and had been started deliberately.
"A man was arrested by officers from the Intervention response team a short time later."
Detective Inspector Michael Ball, from the Hertsmere Local Crime Unit, said: “Thankfully no one was hurt during the incident, but it could easily have been a very different story and residents have understandably been left very shaken by what happened.
“We’ve worked with our colleagues at the fire service to carry out an investigation and quickly secure charges. The case will now progress through the courts.”