A 60-year-old man is set to appear before Crawley Magistrates’ Court today in connection with a deliberate house fire in the Broadfield area of Crawley.
The incident occurred at around 3:33 p.m. on Saturday, 14 September, at a property on Creasys Drive. West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, with assistance from Sussex Police, responded to the scene. Fortunately, no individuals were injured in the fire, but tragically, a dog was confirmed dead.
The man, Adrian West, of no fixed address, has been charged with several offences, including:
- Arson with intent to endanger life (14 September);
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (22 May);
- Intentional strangulation (22 May);
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (between 1 January and 14 September);
- Assault by beating (between 1 January and 14 September);
- Criminal damage (13 September).
West remains in custody and will face the court later today.
Police are maintaining a visible presence in the Broadfield area as investigations continue, aiming to provide reassurance to the local community.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident—including mobile phone, dash cam, or CCTV footage—to report it online or contact police by calling 101 and quoting reference serial 815 of 14/09.