Man charged after fatal fire

Detectives investigating a fire at a block of Walsall flats in which a pensioner died have charged a man with murder and arson.

The 20-year-old, from the New Invention area, will appear before Walsall magistrates this morning (Oct 11) to face accusations he deliberately started the blaze which tore through maisonettes in Southey Close in the early hours of Monday morning (Oct 8).

A 68-year-old man's body was later discovered inside the communal foyer area; a post mortem examination confirmed he died as a result of exposure to the fire.

And last night investigating officers charged the suspect with murder and a second count of arson with intent to endanger life.