Update : 18-year-old charged with arson with intent to endanger life following fire

An 18-year-old man has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life following a fire at a three-storey building on Barnbygate, Newark.

Joshua Nicholson, of Barnbygate, Newark, has been remanded in custody to appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Firefighters from Newark, Collingham, Southwell and Brant Broughton tackled a blaze at a building on the corner of Barnbygate and Appletongate which broke out on the second floor at around 1am on Saturday.

Two people were led to safety but no-one was reported to be injured in the blaze.

Jon Brambles Estate Agents, which is on the ground floor of the building, was damaged by smoke and water run-off. It was originally thought the shop would be closed until January 2, however, the shop re-opened for business on Wednesday.

Owner Mr Jon Brambles said: "We have got no power and have extensive water damage, as well as damage to the ceiling.

"The ceilings are going to have to come down."

The shop is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, from 9am to 3pm and on Saturday, December 30 from 9am to 1pm.

Not at home

Rebecca Gent, 33, lives in the first floor flat which was badly damaged in the fire.

She was not at home and only learnt about the fire the following morning.

She said: "I got a phone call from a friend who I work with saying there had been a fire and the police were outside the flat.

"I went down there but I wasn't able to get back into the flat."

Rebecca, who works at Morrisons, said she could not get back inside because the investigators were still inside.

"I have been there four years and live there on my own," she said.

"Luckily, I'm going to my sister's for Christmas but all my Christmas presents for my niece and nephews were in there. I don't know how badly they are damaged."

Richards Opticians, which is next to the building affected, is open as usual.

A staff member said a window has been smashed but the building was otherwise unaffected.