Man charged following arson in Islington

A man has been charged with causing an explosion likely to endanger life following an arson in the grounds of a premises in Dingley Road, Islington.

Police were called to the address following reports of a suspicious fire at 22:53hrs on Wednesday, 24 September. The fire had been put out by staff at the premises before police attended. No one was injured.

Mark Neville, 64 (20.03.1961), Pear Tree Street, Islington, was initially arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and possession of a bladed article on Friday, 26 September.

On Tuesday, 7 October Neville was charged with:

i) Arson with intent to endanger life.

ii) Possession of a knife in a public place.

On Monday, 3 November the Attorney General authorised further charges of:

iii) Possession of an explosive substance with intent to endanger life / injure property.

iv) Causing an explosion likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property.

v) Possession of a prohibited firearm.

vi) Possession of a prohibited offensive weapon in a private place.

vii) Possession of a prohibited weapon.

Charges v – vii relate to items found during a search of Neville’s address.

Neville appeared at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 4 November where he was remanded in custody. He will next appear for a plea hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday, 2 December.