The family forced from their home in Whitley by a suspected arson attack on Saturday are to be re-homed by Selwood Housing Association.

57-year-old John Marshall, of 32 Eden Grove, Whitley, was charged with arson with intent to endanger life, after a fire was started at his home in the early hours of Saturday morning.

His house was badly damaged, with the fire also spreading to his neighbours’ property, forcing two young children to be evacuated. The next two houses on the terrace also received significant smoke damage.

All four homes belong to Selwood Housing Association, which has confirmed it is working to to help all those affected.

A spokesman said: “Our primary concern is to ensure that all the families who have been affected by this are well looked after, we have met with each of them and will continue to work with them.

“All four of the homes in the row are owned by Selwood Housing and they have all been affected by the fire.

“We are looking at housing options for the affected families and are working with our contractors to repair the homes.”

Marshall appeared before magistrates in Swindon this morning, and will return to the court on February 14.