A MAN has been remanded in custody charged with arson with intent to endanger life after a house fire that gutted a family home.

The fire brigade was called to the property on Charlotte Street, Redcar, at around 2pm yesterday (Monday, April 21).

It took around half an hour and specialist thermal imaging technology to put out the fire that left the upstairs of the property more than three-quarters damaged by fire and completely smoke damaged.

There was nobody in the house at the time of the fire.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “A 44-year-man has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life and has been remanded in custody pending an appearance at Teesside Magistrates Court tomorrow morning (Wednesday, April23).”

One engine from Redcar Fire Station and one engine from Grangetown Fire Station attended.

Four firefighters required breathing apparatus to tackle the flames.

Detectives are investigating alongside Cleveland Fire Brigade.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.