Man, 81, charged with murder and arson
Alan Wotton, 81, was arrested near his home in Exmouth Road, Gosport
- Published
A pensioner has been charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life.
Alan Wotton, 81, was arrested near his home in Exmouth Road, Gosport, after police were called to a property fire at 17:20 GMT last Friday.
Andrew Avery, 65, from Gosport, who was found at the scene, had been seriously assaulted and later died as a result of his injuries.
Officers said the pair were known to each other. Mr Wotton is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service sent crews from Gosport and Fareham to the blaze close to the Elson Junior School.
It said firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reel jets and one main jet.
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