A 20-YEAR-OLD man accused of starting a fire which trapped residents inside a block of flats has appeared in court.

Robert Stillwell, of Stonewood in Bean, appeared at Dartford Magistrates’ Court on August 19 charged with arson with intent to endanger life.

The charges are in relation to three cars being set on fire in a car port beneath a block of flats in Russell Quay, off West Street in Gravesend, just after midnight on August 4.

Flames and smoke from the fire trapped the block’s residents inside the building until the fire brigade arrived.

Stillwell will next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on September 6.