London

Man arrested, arson charges laid in connection with recent Wortley Village fire

Police have made an arrest and laid charges in the case of a suspicious fire that caused more than $2 million in damage to buildings on a historic block of London, Ont.'s Old South Neighbourhood.

Over $2M in damage to the historic buildings in London, Ont.

Several businesses, including jewelry store Sha Choix, were damaged in an overnight fire at the corner of Wortley Road and Bruce Street Nov. 28.
Several businesses, including jewelry store Sha Choix, were damaged in an overnight fire at the corner of Wortley Road and Bruce Street on Thursday. (Kendra Seguin/CBC)

Police have made an arrest and laid charges in connection with a suspicious fire that caused more than $2 million in damage to buildings on a historic block of London, Ont.'s Old South Neighbourhood.

On Thursday, fire crews were called to the corner of Wortley Road and Bruce Street at about 12:30 a.m. ET. They were met with heavy smoke and flames on a mix of commercial and residential buildings dating back to 1886.

Three businesses and the apartments above them were damaged, and two people living above the businesses were put out of their homes.

No injuries were reported.

Police have charged a 75-year-old London man with arson causing damage to property and arson with disregard for human life.

No injuries were reported in the fire.
No injuries were reported in the fire. (Kendra Seguin/CBC)

The accused  is set to appear in court on Tuesday.

In 2023, another historic building on Wortley Road was destroyed when an arsonist set fire to the Black Walnut Cafe, leaving a hole in the prominent north block of the village.

The owners of the café say they're in the process of rebuilding.