A MAN has appeared before magistrates in connection with a series of recent arson attacks in the town.

Ryan James Webber (20) faced two charges of arson with intent to endanger life and a separate count of arson.

All the offences are alleged to have taken place between May 25 and July 11.

Webber, of Palatine Drive, Bury, spoke only once to give his date of birth during Saturday's three-minute appearance before Bury magistrates.

He was remanded in custody until this Friday when a preliminary hearing will be held at Manchester Crown Court. No bail application was made.

Webber, dressed in a dark blue hooped top and dark blue tracksuit bottoms, was flanked by two security officers throughout the hearing.

The first charge of arson with intent to endanger life is alleged to have occurred on May 25 at a house at Cliff Avenue, Summerseat. Webber is accused of destroying a carport by fire and therefore also igniting the adjacent property to the value of £70,000 with the intention to destroy or damage and of endangering the life of Rita Robinson and one other family member.

The second charge of arson with intent to endanger life alleges that the accused destroyed by a fire a £15,500 caravan in Lumn Street, Bury, last Wednesday, whereby the flames set fire to the wooden eaves of a nearby house. It is alleged he intended to destroy or damage the property and to endanger the life of Tracy Foote and four other family members.

Webber faced a separate charge of arson, which is also alleged to have taken place last Wednesday in Trent Drive, Bury.

He is accused of destroying or damaging by fire a £6,000 Ford Fiesta car belonging to Janet Hoyle.

At Saturday's hearing, magistrates agreed to a request from Mr John Savage, prosecuting, for Webber to be remanded in custody until this Friday, pending the preliminary hearing at Minshull Street Crown Court.