Man admits setting fire to Indian takeaway in Norwich

Alvydas Ozolas appeared at court having been charged with arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered and burglary.

It followed an early morning raid at Bombay Spice which saw three fires started at the St Augustines Street takeaway.

Kalam Miah at Bombay Spice (Image: Newsquest)

Ozolas, of Thistledown Road, Horsford, appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Thursday (September 7) when he denied arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered but pleaded guilty to simple arson on April 2 this year.

He also admitted a charge of burglary on the same date.

The 48-year-old, who spoke through a Lithuanian interpreter, was remanded in custody until November 2 when he will be sentenced.

Damage caused in arson at Bombay Spice (Image: Submitted)

Owners of the Bangladeshi and Indian takeaway were left devastated after it was targeted just a couple of hours after it had closed for the night.

A window was smashed, water pipes were damaged, three fires were started, money, knives and a machine for orders were taken in the raid.

Chef and owner Kalam Miah, 53, was alerted by residents who live above the business after smoke started rising upstairs.

Damage caused in arson at Bombay Spice (Image: Submitted)

He arrived about 3am and was soon joined by his son Imran, as they put out the small fires in the front of the business, in the kitchen and at the back of the building.

He said they had started fires, smashed the back window, stolen money from the till, knives and our machine for orders.

An emotional Mr Miah said they were "devastated".