A MAN has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life after a blaze in Boscastle, confirm police.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of a residential property on fire on Fore Street in the village, with 70 firefighters attempting to get it under control at its peak.

Mark Fury, aged 54 and a resident on the street, will appear before Bodmin Magistrates Court today on charges of arson with intent to endanger life.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Police were called by the fire service at 1.15pm on Sunday March 30 following reports of a large fire at an address in Fore Street, Boscastle.

“The fire caused substantial damage to the house and damage to a neighbouring property.

“A man was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He was taken to Treliske Hospital to be checked over before being taken into police custody.

“Mark Fury, aged 54, of Fore Street, Boscastle, has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life. He is due to appear at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court on April 1.”

A spokesperson for Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service added: “In total, over 70 firefighters from Bude, Bodmin, Padstow, St Austell, Delabole, Perranporth, Lostwithiel and Liskeard attended along with two whole time officers for support and additional expertise.

“The fire started on the ground floor and spread quickly to the roof of the property. Firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, used hose reel jets to extinguish the fire. Firefighters were supported on scene with assistance from South Western Ambulance Service and Devon and Cornwall Police.”