Boy, 16, charged with murder after ‘vulnerable’ Robert Price died in house fire in Dagenham | UK News

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder after a man died following an alleged fireworks attack at his home.

Robert Price, 76, died from gas inhalation and burns following a house fire in Dagenham, east London, at around 5.40pm on 27 July.

Firefighters forced entry into the house on Oval Road North and found Mr Price. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Metropolitan Police.

The teenager, who is also charged with arson with intent to endanger life, will appear in custody at Barkingside Youth Court on Monday.

He is the second young man charged in Price’s death. None of them can be named for legal reasons.

A 17-year-old appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday also charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life.

The court heard he was believed to have been part of a group who deliberately started a fire at the home of Mr Price, who was described as a “vulnerable adult”.

The 17-year-old defendant was not accused of throwing fireworks during the alleged attack. But the prosecution alleged that he was part of the group.

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Met Chief Inspector Phil Clarke, the senior investigating officer on the case, said: “I would like to reassure the community that although the investigation remains ongoing, police are not seeking to identify any further people in connection with the fatal fire at Oval. North Road.

“I also ask that the privacy of Mr. Price’s family be respected.”