A 33-year-old Forest man is to appear at Gloucester Crown Court on a charge of arson after allegedly setting fire to a property in St Briavels at the weekend.

Cheltenham Magistrates Court heard today (Wednesday, February 15) from prosecutor Graham Dono that the house on Barrowell Lane has been completely destroyed following a fire that broke out at the detached house in the village on Sunday morning, February 12, at around 9am.

At the court Artur Narkiewicz, 33 of Barrowell Lane, St Briavels, only confirmed his name, address and date of birth, but did not enter a plea to arson by being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) said today (Wednesday) that the fire was "severe", but confirmed that all persons had been accounted for.

GFRS posted about the incident on its Twitter page, @Glosfire, just before 10.30am on Sunday morning:

The spokesperson said: "Fire crews were called at 8.32 on Sunday, February 12 to a house fire in Barrowell Lane, St Briavels. 

"There were four pumps and an aerial ladder in attendance – crews from Coleford and Lydney.

"The property was 100 per cent damaged so it was a severe fire, but all persons are accounted for. There was a stop message at 13.09."

In court, Craig Tickner, defending, stated that Mr Narkiewicz's charge was indictable only, indicating it can only be heard at the crown court.

District Judge Nicholas Wattam agreed and remanded Narkiewicz into custody for him to appear at Gloucester Crown Court on March 17.