A TEEN is said to have set fire to a kitchen and threatened to blow up his sheltered accommodation block as staff barricaded themselves in a room.

The threat led to those living in the streets around the sheltered flats in Spode Close being evacuated from their homes in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Appearing before Swindon Magistrates’ Court this morning dressed in a grey tracksuit, Leigham Sandison spoke only to confirm his name.

The 19-year-old, of Spode Close in Redhouse, entered no pleas to charges of arson with intent to endanger life, making a false bomb threat, assaulting a social worker and threatening to kill her.

It is said Sandison claimed to have stashed an bomb on a timer in the bathroom of the sheltered accommodation.

He was remanded in custody to appear before Swindon Crown Court on Friday, November 15, for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

He thanked magistrates as he was walked from the dock by a custody officer.

Michelle Hewitt represented the crown. Emma Thacker appeared for the defence.