A man will appear in court today following a house fire in Dudley earlier this week.

Emergency services dealt with a house fire on Penfields Road, Amblecote on Monday 26 August around 6.45pm.

A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "This was a fire on the first floor of a semi-detached house.

"The property and adjoining house were heavily smoke-logged.

"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire. Two people left the property before the fire began. After confirming there was no fire spread between the two houses, firefighters ventilated both buildings.

"Fire investigators believe this fire was started deliberately."

An  investigation showed that the fire was started deliberately. Fortunately no-one was hurt, however, a search for the suspect began.

Following enquiries a 60-year-old man was arrested in his car on the A491 near to Bell End, Worcestershire, Wednesday morning.

Clive Bell will appear before Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court on Friday 30 August charged with burglary and arson with intent to endanger life.