Suspected arson attack in Dagenham which killed pensioner 'started by firework'

A vulnerable pensioner died in a suspected arson attack on his home when a firework was “thrown” inside, a court has heard.

Robert Price, 76, was found dead inside the property in Oval Road North, Dagenham , when firefighters were called out to tackle the blaze last week.

A 17-year-old boy has now been charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life.

At the Old Bailey on Friday, Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC said the boy and others are suspected of starting the fire deliberately.

She said the case against the teenager - who cannot be named due to his age - is that “a fire was deliberately started at the home of a vulnerable adult”.

She added that a firework was allegedly “thrown” into the home and it is believed that was the cause of the blaze.

The teenage boy was charged earlier this week over the death, which happened at around 5.40pm on July 27.

The Met Police said firefighters forced their way into the burning home and discovered Mr Price’s body. A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as inhalation of fire fumes and burns.

The accused teenager appeared via videolink at the Old Bailey for a hearing in front of Judge Whitehouse.

He was sat in semi-darkness for the hearing, and did not enter a plea to charges of murder and arson with intent to endanger life.

The judge ordered him to return to court on October 18 for a plea hearing, with a trial date set for May 12 next year.

The teenager will remain in youth detention custody until the next court hearing.

Man in his 70s killed in fire named after boy, 17, charged with murder

Pensioner who died in suspected arson attack in Dagenham named

Southport stabbing suspect, 17, named in court and trial date set

Man arrested after mother of six found dead following morning dog walk