Woman charged over Maltby arson attack

The scene of the blaze on Strauss Crescent, Maltby.

Laura Mallett (25), of Thornton Terrace, Kimberworth, appeared at Sheffield Magistrates' Court yesterday charged with arson with intent to endanger life in connection with the blaze at Strauss Crescent on New Year's Eve. She is also charged with harassment on the same day.

Mallett entered no pleas and the case was sent to Sheffield Crown Court where she will next appear on January 29. She was remanded into custody.

A man in his 60s was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene and taken to hospital where he remained today (Wednesday).

Four fire crews from Maltby, Aston, Rotherham and Edlington stations attended the scene at 6.40am, said a fire service spokeswoman.

"On arrival, crews found the living room of the semi-detached property well alight. The fire had also spread to the kitchen and upper floor of the property," she added.

"By around 8.15am, the fire had been extinguished by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and using hose reel jets."