A man accused of starting a fire and assaulting his partner is due in court today. 

Luigi Damiani, 51, of Howard Road, Walthamstow will appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court charged with arson, affray, and assault. 

Police were called to his home on March 9 at 12.20am following reports of a domestic incident in which Damiani is accused of attacking Addolorata Solmenese.

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

He was remanded in custody to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court in March, but the court date was re-scheduled for today.