Man faces attempted murder charges

A man has appeared in court accused of trying to murder a woman and her two young children by setting fire to their home.

Stephen O'Shea denies the attempted murder of Claire Claypole, 30, and her two children Daniel, 10, and Megan, five, on 20 June.

He pleaded not guilty to a further charge of arson with intent and reckless arson at their home in Melbourne Road, Ibstock, Leicestershire, on the same date.

Mr O'Shea also denies the attempted murder of Emma Burns, arson with intent and reckless arson at a property on Chapel Street, Ibstock, on 20 June.

He also denies a further charge of causing actual bodily harm to Ms Burns on 14 June and damaging a car between January and June last year.

The case was adjourned for trial at Leicester Crown Court and Mr O'Shea, of Leicester Road, Ibstock, was remanded in custody.