A 79-year-old has appeared in court charged with arson after a flat fire in Maidstone last week.

James Clarke was arrested following the blaze at the property in James Whatman Way on Sunday.

Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene at 5.20pm and the fire was put out at around 6pm. Clarke, of James Whatman Way, was arrested and later charged with arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.

He appeared at Chatham Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, where he was remanded in custody. He will appear next before Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday, May 30.