Two men have been charged with attempted murder after a serious arson attack in Sittingbourne that endangered lives. The Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate has charged Billy Smith Snr, 52, and Billy Smith Jnr, 28, with four counts of attempted murder following a fire in Stockbury Valley.
Emergency services were called to the scene in the early hours of Saturday, 5 May, where a mobile home was found on fire. Several nearby vehicles were also set alight in what authorities described as a disturbing spree.
Billy Smith Snr faces four charges of attempted murder, as well as charges of arson and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on 4 June.
Billy Smith Jnr is charged with the same offences and will appear at Medway Magistrates Court via virtual link on 8 May.
In addition to these charges, five more people have been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation. These include a 54-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assault and bailed until 1 June; a 23-year-old man from Stockbury arrested on suspicion of assault and bailed until 1 June; a 20-year-old man from Stockbury arrested on suspicion of assault and bailed until 1 June; and a 22-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of arson and criminal damage, bailed until 31 May.
All individuals involved are known to each other. Police continue their enquiries as the investigation develops.
Originally published by UKNIP.
