A man has appeared in court accused of setting fire to the home of his elderly mother in a blaze that engulfed neighbouring properties. 

Pip Long, 53, has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life over the fire which ripped through four homes on Hall Road in Norwich.

Eastern Daily Press: Four homes in Hall Road, Norwich were damaged in fireFour homes in Hall Road, Norwich were damaged in fire (Image: Newsquest)

Fire crews evacuated people from the neighbouring properties in the terraced homes after the blaze broke out at 11.33pm on Monday. 

No one was injured despite homes being badly damaged with flames engulfing and destroying several roofs.

READ MORE: Arrest after fire in Hall Road in Norwich treated as arson

Long, of Southwell Road, Norwich, made a brief appearance in the dock at Norwich Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Wearing a dark blue sweatshirt he was ordered back into the cells after repeatedly ranting, swearing and banging the security glass screen.

Eastern Daily Press: Four homes in Hall Road, Norwich were damaged in fireFour homes in Hall Road, Norwich were damaged in fire (Image: Newsquest)

Prosecutors said the fire had allegedly been deliberately started at the home of his 77-year-old mother though she was not present at the time.

“The fire spread to three other properties causing significant damage to the roofs and it is only through the grace of God that no one has been injured let alone killed. It is a very serious allegation indeed,” the court was told. 

Magistrates committed the case to Norwich Crown Court for a hearing to be held on July 26. 

READ MORE: Video shows huge house fire in Hall Road in Norwich

Long was remanded in custody in his absence from the courtroom.

Eastern Daily Press: Four homes in Hall Road, Norwich were damaged in fireFour homes in Hall Road, Norwich were damaged in fire (Image: Newsquest)