Man remanded over riots shop blaze

A man who was charged with starting a fire at a clothing store in an area hit by riots during the summer disorder has been remanded in custody, a court official said today.

The alleged offences took place on Monday August 8 at commercial and residential buildings in Rye Lane, Peckham, south-east London, a Scotland Yard spokesman said.

Andrew Burls, 22, of Purdon House, Peckham High Street, appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court charged with two counts of arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and three counts of burglary.

A fire which started at Reagon's Clothing Store in Rye Lane at about 7.30pm soon spread to Greggs Bakers next door, the residential flats above and to an adjacent building.

All the buildings eventually collapsed, with about £750,000 damage caused.

Ten residents were displaced as a result of the fire and a small number were treated for the effects of smoke inhalation. No one was seriously injured.

Burls will appear at the Inner London Crown Court, Newington Causeway, London on November 1.

PA