Man Charged with Four Counts of Attempted Murder After Sittingbourne Fire
A man has been charged with four counts of attempted murder following a dramatic crime swoop in Sittingbourne.
Blaze Erupts at Stockbury Valley Property
Detectives stormed onto the scene in the early hours of Saturday, 5 May, after a mobile home was deliberately set on fire in Stockbury Valley. Several nearby vehicles were also torched in the shocking arson attack.
Billy Smith Snr Held on Serious Charges
Billy Smith Snr, 52, from Miller Close in Kemsley, was arrested shortly after the blaze. He now faces four counts of attempted murder, arson, and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
Smith has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on 4 June.
Multiple Arrests as Investigation Continues
- A 54-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assault has been bailed until 1 June.
- Two men, aged 23 and 20 from Stockbury, also arrested for assault, remain on bail until 1 June.
- A 28-year-old man from Kemsley charged with attempted murder and arson remains in custody.
All suspects are known to each other. Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate officers are continuing their investigation into the shocking incident.
