Man cleared of Wilderspool Causeway house arson attack allegation

A large emergency service presence was reported outside a two-storey terraced house on Wilderspool Causeway at around 6.40am on Monday, February 19.

Crews from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Cheshire Police and North West Ambulance Service were spotted at the scene, along with crime scene investigators.

Fire crews rescued one person who was trapped on top of the burning building and four people were treated at the scene by paramedics, with three of them then being taken to hospital with minor injuries.

At the time, police confirmed that an investigation was underway, and that the cause of the fire was being treated as suspicious.

Three days later, on February 21, Cheshire Police confirmed that 22-year-old Musa Camara had been charged in connection with the incident.

He was charged with arson with intent to endanger life and arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

The case was sent by magistrates to Chester Crown Court, where he entered not guilty pleas to both charges in March.

A trial date was set for the end of July, however the defendant, of no fixed abode, appeared back before the crown court last week for a mention hearing.

Emergency services in attendance following the incident on Wilderspool Causeway

Here, prosecutor Andrew McInnes offered no evidence against the defendant on both counts, with judge Simon Berkson subsequently finding him not guilty of any wrongdoing and discharging the case.

The Warrington Guardian approached the Crown Prosecution Service for a statement addressing the decision to offer no evidence.

In response, Jonathan Egan, senior district crown prosecutor for Cheshire, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has a duty to keep all cases under continual review.

“Fresh evidence came to light following the charging decision and, as the prosecution progressed, it was clear that there was, in the light of this evidence, no longer a realistic prospect of a conviction.

“A decision was taken by the CPS, in partnership with the police, to offer no evidence, and Musa Camara has subsequently been acquitted of the offence by the judge.”

Cheshire Police was approached for clarification on the status of the case now that proceedings have been dropped against the defendant.

A spokesman stated that no new evidence has come to light, but confirmed that the CPS had decided not to proceed with the prosecution due to there no longer being a realistic prospect of a conviction.

They also confirmed that no other suspects are being sought in connection with the incident, with the case now closed.