Man in court after woman escapes death in blaze

A MAN will appear in court today charged with a string of offences after a woman had a lucky escape when a fuel tanker crashed into the front of her bungalow, police said.

The 51-year-old man is charged with arson with intent to endanger life; arson reckless as to whether life was endangered; assault by beating; dangerous driving; theft; and breach of bail.

The man was arrested on Friday following the incident in Wool, Dorset. Police had launched a manhunt after the driver of the tanker fled the scene of the crash.

The woman, named locally as Christine Billington, was “safe and well” but the bungalow suffered “significant” damage in the blaze.

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