Trial date for man accused of arson after blast

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Residents had to be evacuated following the explosion in Middlesbrough in June
  • Author, Stuart Whincup
  • Role, 麻豆社 Look North

A trial date has been set for a man accused of arson after a house explosion in which he was injured.

Andrew McCubin, 57, had to be pulled from the rubble by neighbours and airlifted to hospital following the blast at Kirkland Walk in Middlesbrough on 18 June.

He was charged with arson reckless to endanger life in connection with the explosion, as well as two charges of assault on an emergency worker.

No pleas were entered during a hearing on Thursday at Teesside Magistrates' Court, at which Mr McCubin appeared via video link. A provisional trial date was set for February 2025.

Residents in the square and the surrounding streets had to be evacuated from their properties after the explosion.

A further 11 homes were damaged and a local school was opened as a reception centre for residents who were affected by the blast.

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