Oldham man denies Leicester blast involvement

The scene after the explosion in Leicester in February

One man from Oldham has denied being involved in an explosion in Leicester in February which claimed the lives of five people.

Thirty-seven-year old Arkan Ali, of Drake Close, appeared at Leicester Crown Court via video link along with two other defendants and denied a number of counts including five of manslaughter and one count of arson with intent or being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

The charges are in connection with an explosion at a shop in Leicester on February 25 which destroyed the store and cause the flat above to also be destroyed.

Forty-six-year old Mary Ragoobar and her sons, 18-year old Shane Ragoobeer, 17-year old Sean Ragoobeer, who all lived in the flat above the Polish shop, died along with Shane’s girlfriend 18-year old Leah Reek.

Mr Ali’s partner, 22-year old shop worker Viktorija Ijevleva, also died in the explosion.

Inquests into the five deaths have been opened and adjourned.

At an earlier hearing, Leicester Magistrates’ Court heard that the explosion had been caused by petrol spreading throughout the shop.

Arkan Ali, along with his co-defendants 33-year old Aram Kurd, from Hillary Place in Leicester and Hawkar Hassan, 32, of no fixed address, have been remanded in custody until another hearing at Leicester Crown Court in August.