Plymouth man faces trial over alleged Barbican arson

A Plymouty man has appeared in court accused of endangering lives by setting fire to a property on the Barbican.

Colin Taylor, of no fixed abode, appeared at Plymouth Crown Court following his arrest in connection with a fire at a block of flats in Vauxhall Street on the evening of May 30 this year.

On that evening fire crews from Greenbank, Camel's Head and Plymstock attended the incident along with police and paramedics from South Western Ambulance Service. The road was closed to all traffic as firefighters used safety jets, hose reel jets and breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze.

The fire service later confirmed that one resident was rescued by firefighters before being handed over to paramedics for treatment. They were reportedly suffering from smoke inhalation.

Taylor, 67, appeared at Plymouth Crown Court where he was charged with arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered at an address in Vauxhall Street belonging to Plymouth Community Homes.

He was remanded into custody and a trial has been listed for November 20.

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