Man, 60, charged in connection with Crawley house fire

A man is due to appear in court today (Monday 16 September) in connection with a deliberate house fire in Crawley.

Police assisted West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service during the incident in Creasys Drive, Broadfield, which occurred around 3.33pm on Saturday 14 September.

No one was injured, however a dog was sadly confirmed deceased in the fire.

Adrian West, 60, of no fixed address, was arrested and has since been charged with the following offences:

• Arson with intent to endanger life on 14 September;
• Assault occasioning actual bodily harm on 22 May;
• Intentional strangulation on 22 May;
• Assault occasioning actual bodily harm between 1 January and 14 September;
• Assault by beating between 1 January and 14 September;
• Criminal damage on 13 September.

He remains remanded in custody and is due to appear before Crawley Magistrates’ Court today (Monday 16 September).

The public can expect to see a heightened police presence in the area in the meantime, as officers continue enquiries and provide community reassurance.

Anyone with any information about the incident, including any mobile, dash cam or CCTV footage, is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 815 of 14/09.