A MAN died in hospital after being injured in a “horrific” house fire.
Police were called to Oak Grove in Bognor after a fire broke out in the front garden of a property.
The incident happened at 8:15 p.m. on April 8.
Mark Stoakes, 60, was rushed to hospital but sadly passed away on Friday April 30.
Detectives launched Operation Viper to investigate the circumstances of the death.
Aaron Wilks, 37, has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm, arson and throwing or throwing an explosive substance with the intent to maim, burn, disfigure or inflict grievous bodily harm.
He was due to appear in Portsmouth Crown Court this Friday, May 7 to answer the charges.
OAK GROVE BOGNOR REGIS – ARMED POLICE – PERSON ON FIRE – POLICE – FIRE – AMBO.
But police say they are in talks with the Crown Prosecution Service over the charges it faces.
Chichester and Arun District Commander Chief Inspector Jon Carter said: “It was a horrific incident that would have shocked many in the community and I offer my condolences to the family and friends of Mark Stoakes.
“The investigative team has worked tirelessly and a man has been charged and awaiting trial.
OAK GROVE BOGNOR REGIS – ARMED POLICE – PERSON ON FIRE – POLICE – FIRE – AMBO.
“With our partners, we are working hard to fight crime, and in particular violent crime, in Arun.
“We are refocusing our patrols to provide additional visibility in key areas to combat this.
“While it is important to ensure a visible police presence, we also badly need your support to keep the community safe.
“It was a really serious incident and we continue to call on all witnesses to come forward to support our investigation.”
OAK GROVE BOGNOR REGIS – ARMED POLICE – PERSON ON FIRE – POLICE – FIRE – AMBO.
Aaron Wilks, 37, unemployed, of Ash Grove, Bognor Regis, will appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on May 7 to face charges of grievous bodily harm, arson and throwing or throwing an explosive substance with intent to burn, maim, disfigure, disable or inflict grievous bodily harm.
He was also charged with criminal damage, blackmail and possession of a bladed article in connection with two separate incidents.
Sussex Police said anyone who witnessed the incident or suspicious behavior should report it on the force’s website or call 101, or report the crime anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Source: www.theargus.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-05-02 15:47:03
