A MAN was charged with attempted murder and arson after a man suffered serious burns.
Police were called to Oak Grove in Bognor after a fire in the garden of a property.
A man had to be taken to hospital for treatment from burns in the incident at 8.20pm on Thursday, April 8.
Detectives say they believe it was a “targeted attack”.
It was confirmed that Aaron Wilks was arrested and charged with attempted murder, arson and throwing or casting an explosive substance with intent to burn, maim, disfigure, disable or cause grievous bodily harm.
The 37-year-old was also charged with criminal damage, blackmail and possession of a bladed article in relation to two separate incidents.
Chichester and Arun district commander Chief Inspector Jon Carter said: “The investigation is ongoing, but we believe this to be a targeted attack with no risk to the wider public.
“This was a really serious incident and we continue to appeal for any witnesses to come forward to support our investigation.”
Sussex Police said: “We have charged a man with attempted murder and arson after a deliberate fire in Bognor Regis.
“Officers were called to Oak Grove around 8.20pm on Thursday (April 8) to reports of a fire in the garden of a property. One man suffered serious burns and was taken to hospital for treatment.”
Wilks, unemployed,of Ash Grove, Bognor, appeared before Crawley Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody to attend Portsmouth Crown Court on May 7.
Anyone with information about the incident can report it to Sussex Police online or call 101 and quote Operation Viper.
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