Man charged following fire in Kensington

A man has been charged by officers investigating a fire in Kensington.

The fire began at about 00:15hrs on 1 March. Officers worked alongside colleagues from London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service as all the emergency services responded rapidly to the incident.

Seven police officers and six residents suffered smoke inhalation during the incident. All were taken to hospital and all have been discharged. Thankfully no one suffered more serious injuries.

The fire is being treated as suspicious and on Sunday, 3 March, a 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

The following day the man, Wesley Guilherme Farias, 25, (01/09/1998) of no fixed abode, was charged with arson with intent to endanger life. He will appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 March.