Arson accused lives in town flat set ablaze

A 44-year-old man has made his first appearance at court charged with committing arson with intent to endanger life at the property where he lives.
A man has appeared in court accused of arson after a flat fire on  Freckleton Street, Kirkham. Photo: Mark Harrison.A man has appeared in court accused of arson after a flat fire on  Freckleton Street, Kirkham. Photo: Mark Harrison.
A man has appeared in court accused of arson after a flat fire on Freckleton Street, Kirkham. Photo: Mark Harrison.

A liquid gas bottle was overheating and leaking gas in the premises when firefighters broke into to tackle the blaze.

Neil Myerscough is alleged to have set fire to the flat on Freckleton Street, Kirkham on Wednesday morning.

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Martine Connah, prosecuting, said the flat where Myerscough lives in situated above a beauty parlour and seamstress business and is opposite across the road from the town’s police station.

Blackpool Magistrates heard Myerscough was seen half dressed on a window ledge as smoke billowed from the flat window behind him.

He was rescued from the ledge by a neighbour who used his window cleaner’s ladder to get Myerscough to the footpath.

Myerscough was treated in hospital and was later arrested by police following an initial report on the incident by Fire and Rescue investigators.

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The prosecutor objected to bail for Myerscough, who owns the flat, which was mostly lit by candles, saying it was for his own protection because it was believed it was a failed suicide attempt.

Steven Duffy applied for bail saying his client could either live with his brother in Kirkham.

Magistrates granted Myerscough bail until August 19.

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