Man charged with arson after a serious flat fire in Harborough

A man has been sent to face trial at Leicester Crown Court charged with arson after a serious fire broke out at a flat in Market Harborough

Andrew Parkhouse, 53, was arrested by police after the blaze started in the kitchen of the bedsit on Ireton Road on the town’s Southern Estate on Friday night.

As well as arson, Parkhouse, of Fawdon Place, West Chirton, North Shields, is also accused of assaulting three police officers and a nurse at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

The suspect had been taken to the hospital to be treated for the effects of inhaling smoke.

Parkhouse appeared at Leicester magistrates’ court today (Monday) after being charged over the incident.

He was sent to be tried at the city’s crown court on Monday August 9 and bailed.

Three fire crews from Market Harborough, Desborough and Corby raced to tackle the blaze after the alarm was raised by a shocked next-door neighbour at 7.14pm on Friday night.

Firefighters used four breathing apparatus kits, two hose reels and a covering jet to fight the fierce fire.

The blaze caused 80 per cent smoke damage to the entire property and 20 per cent fire damage, said Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.