A 17-year-old boy has appeared in court charged with the murder of a pensioner who died in a house fire after a firework was thrown into his home. Robert Price, 76, was found dead following the blaze in Dagenham, east London, last Saturday evening.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at the Old Bailey today charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life. He participated in the hearing via video link from Vinney Green youth detention centre in Bristol, confirming his name and date of birth.
Judge Sarah Whitehouse remanded the suspect in youth detention accommodation and scheduled a plea and trial preparation hearing for October 18. A provisional trial date has been set for May 12 next year.
The court heard that paramedics and firefighters attended the scene shortly after 5:40 pm on Saturday, 27 July. They forced entry into the property on Oval Road North and discovered Mr Price’s body. A post-mortem examination determined that Mr Price died from inhalation of smoke and burns.
Police are treating the fire as suspicious. The prosecution alleges that the fire was “deliberately started at the home of a vulnerable adult” after a firework was thrown inside.
Mr Price’s family has been informed of the tragic incident and is being supported by specialist officers. Another male, who was initially arrested in connection with the investigation, has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
The Metropolitan Police have appealed for anyone who was in the area of Oval Road North between 5 pm and 6 pm on the day of the incident to come forward. They are particularly interested in hearing from drivers who may have dash cam footage of the area during that time.
Scotland Yard urges anyone with information to contact officers on 101 or message @MetCC on X (formerly Twitter) quoting CAD5619/27Jul. Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
