A man has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life after a fire broke out in a hotel in Stevenage town centre.

Yousef Abdinesir, of The Forum, Stevenage, appeared at Hatfield Magistrates’ Court this morning (Wednesday, January 3) where he was remanded into custody ahead of a hearing at Cambridge Crown Court on Monday 5 February.

The 26-year-old was arrested after police were called to reports of a fire at the Ibis hotel in The Forum at 11.53pm on Monday, January 1.

It is reported that a laundry bin was on fire on the fifth floor, and a number of guests were evacuated as a precaution, with three people treated for minor smoke inhalation.

"Police were called at 11.53pm on Monday, January 1, following reports of a fire at the Ibis hotel in Stevenage, in The Forum," a Herts police spokesman said.

"It is reported that a laundry bin was on fire on the fifth floor.

"Officers attended, alongside colleagues from the fire and ambulance service.

"A number of guests were evacuated as a precaution, with three people treated for minor smoke inhalation.

"The evacuated guests were able to return to the hotel by 3am.

"Yousef Abdinesir, aged 26, of The Forum, Stevenage, has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life and remains in custody."

Detective Constable Christopher Jones, from the Stevenage Local Crime Unit, added: "I would like to thank the fast actions of hotel and security staff who initially tackled the fire and assisted both police and fire colleagues with the evacuation of all residents.

"Thankfully, no one was seriously injured."