A man has appeared in court charged with arson, assault and affray.

Police were called to an address in Howard Road, Walthamstow, at 12.20am on Sunday following reports of a domestic incident.

An hour later, fire services arrived to extinguish a small fire started in the kitchen, which was under control by 2am.

Luigi Damiani, 51. of Howard Road in Wallthamstow. appeared at Thames Magistrates Court yesterday charged with arson, affray and the assaulting Addolorata Solmenese at his home.

He has been remanded in custody to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on March 24.