A suspected arsonist has appeared in court following a house fire in West Bridgford.
Emergency services attended Lingmell Close last Friday (19 July) after receiving reports a house was ablaze.
A uniformed police officer was among the first responders to arrive and find the front door on fire, just after 3am.
Neighbours had by that stage gone into the property to get two of its occupants out before further help could arrive.
After hearing someone was still trapped inside the house, the police constable bravely rushed into the building to help.
He managed to locate the occupant, who was safely removed and taken to hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation.
Firefighters then quickly extinguished the flames, which had damaged the front door, hallway and staircase.
Clive Hawker, of Lingmell Close, has since been charged with arson with intent to endanger life.
The 54-year-old appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday (22 July), where he was remanded into custody.
Hawker is next due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on 19 August 2024.
Detective Constable Tony Tonks, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was an incredibly dangerous incident that thankfully didn’t result in anybody coming to serious harm.
“One of the main reasons for this was because of the bravery and quick actions of the members of the public and officer who entered the property to help.
“An investigation has been underway since the fire, and we are pleased to have been able to charge a suspect and bring them before the courts.”
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