81-Year-Old Charged with Murder and Arson in Gosport

Alan Wotton, an 81-year-old man, has been charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life. His arrest took place near his residence on Exmouth Road in Gosport, following a police response to a property fire reported at 17:20 GMT last Friday. Andrew Avery, a 65-year-old Gosport resident, was discovered at the scene, having suffered a serious assault, and subsequently succumbed to his injuries. Authorities stated that Mr. Wotton and Mr. Avery were acquainted. Mr. Wotton is scheduled to make an appearance at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service deployed crews from Gosport and Fareham to the fire, which occurred near Elson Junior School. The service reported that firefighters, utilizing breathing apparatus, employed two hose reel jets and one main jet to tackle the blaze.