A 38-year-old Witham man has been arrested and charged in connection with a fire at a fast food restaurant in the town.

The blaze caused damage to Essex Fast Food, in Collingwood Road, in Witham, shortly after 5am on Wednesday, August 6. Following a police investigation, Omer Tarhan, of Bure Drive, Witham, was arrested later that same day.

He was interviewed and on Thursday and charged with arson with intent and burglary.

He appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Friday and has been remanded in custody to appear before Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday, October 13.