A teenager accused of murdering a pensioner who died in a house fire after a firework was thrown into his home has appeared in court.
Robert Price, 76, was found after the blaze in Dagenham, east London, last Saturday.
Now a 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has today appeared at the Old Bailey charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life.
Paramedics and firefighters attended shortly after 5.40pm and forced entry to the home to find Mr Price’s body.
A post-mortem later gave the cause of death as inhalation of smoke and burns.
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
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)
The teenager appeared in court today via video link from Vinney Green youth detention centre in Bristol and spoke to confirm his name and date of birth.
Judge Sarah Whitehouse remanded him in youth detention accommodation ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing scheduled for October 18.
She said the prosecution alleged the fire was ‘deliberately started at the home of a vulnerable adult’ after a firework was thrown inside.
A provisional trial date was set for May 12 next year.
Mr Price’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Another male who was arrested in connection with the investigation, was later released on bail pending further enquiries.
The Metropolitan Police previously said: ‘The cause of the fire is under investigation but is being treated as suspicious.
‘Enquiries are ongoing to establish whether the fire in Oval Road North may be linked to any other incidents.’
Police were called to reports of a fire at a property on Oval Road North in Dagenham
A post-mortem later gave the cause of death as inhalation of smoke and burns
They have appealed for anyone in the area of Oval Road North between last Saturday between 5pm and 6pm and witnessed anything to get in touch.
Scotland Yard said: ‘Any drivers who were passing through the area around that time and may have captured anything on dash cam are also urged to contact police.
‘If you have information that could assist then please contact officers on 101 or message @MetCC on X and quote CAD5619/27Jul.
‘You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.’
