Met Police charge man with arson following fire in Hackney property
63-year-old Ian Pitkin will appear in court on Monday
Last updated 24th Mar 2024
Metropolitan Police officers have charged a man with arson following a fire at a property in Hackney.
Ian Pitkin, 63, from the Lower Clapton area of Hackney was told he will appear at Thames' Magistrates Court on Monday (March 25th) charged with arson with intent to endanger life.
As well as this, he was also charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.
Pitkin was arrested in connection with a fire that broke out at a property in Hackney on Wednesday (March 20th).
Officers were called to an address on Newick Road in the Lower Clapton area of Hackney at around 12:45p.m.
When responders arrived on the scene, they found a property on the road ablaze and spreading to nearby homes.
In total, four people were injured by the fire, including three people who lived in neighbouring properties and one passer-by. None of these injuries are believed to be serious.
Speaking on the charges, Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, responsible for policing in Hackney, said: “Police and partner agencies responded swiftly to a rapidly unfolding incident on Wednesday, 20 March.
"We are pleased that our thorough investigation has led the Crown Prosecution Service to agree these significant charges."
He continued: “To protect the integrity of the judicial process and to ensure justice for the victims and our community, we are rightfully limited in what we can now say.
"However, we will continue to engage with our close partners in the local community, including the Community Security Trust and Shomrim to support those impacted by this incident.”