A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder after a pensioner died following an alleged firework arson attack on his home in Dagenham.
Robert Price, 76, died from inhalation of fumes, and burns, following a fire at a house in east London at around 5.40pm on July 27.
The teenager, who is also charged with arson with intent to endanger life, will appear in custody at Barkingside Youth Court on Monday August 5.
He is the second youth charged in connection with Mr Price’s death.
On Friday, a 17-year-old youth, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared at the Old Bailey charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life.
Officers are treating the blaze as suspicious and a male teenager aged 17 today appeared in court at the Old Bailey charged with murder
The Metropolitan Police named the victim found dead as 76-year-old Robert Price (pictured)
Paramedics and firefighters attended the fire in Dagenham, east London, last Saturday shortly after 5.40pm and forced entry before discovering Robert Price’s body
A post-mortem later gave the cause of death as inhalation of smoke and burns
The court heard he was alleged to have been part of a group that deliberately started a fire at the home of the victim, who was described as a ‘vulnerable adult’.
Although the defendant was not accused of throwing a firework himself during the alleged attack, the prosecution claimed he was part of the group.
Firefighters forced entry to the property in Oval Road North, Dagenham, on July 27 and found Mr Price. He was pronounced dead at the scene, the Metropolitan Police said.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke, senior investigating officer, said: ‘I would like to reassure the community that while the investigation remains ongoing, police are not seeking to identify any further people in connection with the fatal fire on Oval Road North.
‘I also ask that the privacy of Mr Price’s family is respected.’
Police are appealing for anyone with information in relation to the incident to get in touch by contacting officers on 101 or messaging @MetCC on X, formerly Twitter, and quoting CAD5619/27Jul.
