Man charged with arson after flat fire (From Salisbury Journal)
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Man charged with arson after flat fire
5:35pm Tuesday 21st February 2012 in News By Hannah White
The aftermath of the fire
A MAN has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life following a fire at a flat in Salisbury in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The fire broke out at the property in Middleton Road at about 3am and the occupant contacted the fire service and police.
No one was hurt in the fire but several residents in the block had to be evacuated.
Mark Anthony Witheridge, 43, from Whatcombe Brow, Orcheston, has been remanded in custody to appear at Winchester Crown Court on March 1.
DCI Ian Saunders of Wiltshire Police said: “I believe that someone could have been seriously hurt were it not for the quick actions by the resident and the prompt response from the fire service.”
Several residents are still unable to return to their homes until the block has been made safe.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and ask for Salisbury CID or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
