Stevenage hotel resident charged with arson after laundry bin fire

It was reported that a laundry bin was on fire on the fifth floor

A 26-year-old man has been charged with arson following a fire at a hotel used by the Home Office.

Fire crews including 11 appliances were called to the IBIS hotel at the Forum in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, on Monday.

Guests were evacuated from the hotel shortly before midnight after reports that a laundry bin on the fifth floor was alight.

Hertfordshire police said the man was charged with arson with intent to endanger life.

He was due to appear at Hatfield Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

A spokesman for Hertfordshire County Council said: "While the guests were placed in the hotel by the Home Office, support has been and will continue to be provided by officers from Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council."

The blaze and subsequent evacuation was first reported by The Comet.