Ex-reality TV contestant has arson charge dropped

Three shops were destroyed during the blaze in West Avenue

A man who gained fame on a Malaysian reality TV show is no longer being accused of torching a row of shops in his hometown.

About 40 firefighters battled the flames in Clacton-on-Sea in the early hours of 18 August.

It destroyed Easy Mobility Services, Mattress Man of Essex and furniture shop Codgers, and 70 people were evacuated from nearby homes.

Christian Capes, 42, of Beach Road in the town, was charged with arson with intent to endanger life, but the charges were dropped at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Mr Capes spent almost three months on remand in prison following his arrest, after prosecutors believed he was a "significant risk" to the public.

However, no CCTV footage could be found proving how the fire was started.

Easy Mobility Services said it would need to find a new premises after the fire

The Crown Prosecution Service said it had decided "there was not enough evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction" against Mr Capes.

"We have explained our decision in full to the complainants," a spokeswoman said after the case was discontinued on Wednesday.

Mr Capes enjoyed some fame in Malaysia after starring in the reality show What Women Want in 2006, later being named Cleo magazine's most eligible bachelor of the year.

More recently he streamed himself playing video games on social media.

Fire crews from seven stations were sent to the blaze at about 00:35 BST, extinguishing it by 07:00.

As well as West Avenue, they closed Jackson Road, Penfold Road and Agate Road, while nearby residents were taken to a temporary refuge centre.