Man, 22, in court, over eight Telford car fires

A 22-year-old man appeared in court today charged with seven counts of arson after a spate of attacks in which cars were set alight in Telford.

Nyle Keay, of Acacia Drive in Leegomery, faces seven arson charges and all offences are alleged to have been committed on April 6.

All involve car fires outside homes in Leegomery and Hadley.

He is also charged with a further count of arson, recklessly endangering life, on the same date after a black taxi was set on fire feet from the owner's home on Acacia Drive, while his family slept upstairs.

Keay, who appeared at Telford Magistrates Court wearing a hooded top and white T-shirt, did not enter a plea and spoke only to confirm his name, age and address. He was remanded in custody to Shrewsbury Crown Court on April 23.

Police this afternoon said their inquiry into the fires – with 21 separate blazes in two weeks – was continuing.

Chief Inspector Paul Moxley said: "I would like to reassure people our investigative work has not stopped. We are determined to trace every individual involved and a team will continue to be dedicated to this investigation."

He added: "I would also ask anyone who sees suspicious behaviour around motor vehicles to continue to report it to us immediately on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.