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Man charged with arson over Ampleforth GP surgery blaze

News imageBBC/Anneli Shearsmith Police tape after a fire at Ampleforth and Hovingham SurgeryBBC/Anneli Shearsmith
Ampleforth Surgery was closed following the incident on Tuesday

A man has appeared in court charged with starting a fire at a doctor's surgery in a North Yorkshire village.

Police were called to Ampleforth Surgery on Tuesday over reports a man carrying a knife had started the blaze and assaulted a member of staff.

John Leadbitter, 62, of no fixed abode, appeared at York Magistrates' Court on Thursday charged with arson with intent to endanger life.

He was remanded in custody to appear at York Crown Court on 9 October.

Mr Leadbitter was also charged with assault, affray and possession of a knife.

News imageBBC /Anneli Shearsmith Ampleforth and Hovingham SurgeryBBC /Anneli Shearsmith
John Leadbitter is charged with arson with intent to endanger life following the surgery blaze
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