Man in court over 28 incidents of arson after bins set alight in three communities

A man has been charged with 28 arson offences after a series of fires across part of Essex.

Police said the fires were mostly in wheelie bins or dog waste bins, but one was on a train station platform and others in bus shelters and bushes.

They said a man has been arrested and would appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court.

Essex Police said the incidents took place in Saffron Walden and Great and Little Chesterford from February 2022 to May 2023.

Andrew Thorne, 26, of Icknield Rise, Great Chesterford, has been charged with 28 counts of arson.

Insp Jenna Mirrington-French, from Essex Police, said: “I would like to thank the local community for coming forward and providing key evidence which has been hugely helpful to the team investigating the incidents.

“I would also like to thank our colleagues in Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and other partners who have supported us in keeping people safe within our communities."

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