A 40-year-old man has appeared before York magistrates charged with starting a fireball that destroyed a fish and chip shop.

Lubos Filek, of Barlby Road, Selby, was not asked to enter a plea to a charge of arson with intent to endanger life or being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.

He is alleged to have set fire to Abbey Fisheries in Gowthorpe, Selby, at 3.40am on March 21.

The fish and chip shop is in a terrace of shops, some of which have flats above them.

Magistrates sent him to York Crown Court where he will appear on April 23.

It will be his first chance to enter a plea as the charge can only be tried before a judge and jury.

Defence solicitor Andrew Davidson did not apply for bail and Filek was remanded in custody.