FIVE people from Southampton appeared in court yesterday in connection with the alleged firebombing of a city pub.

Darren McCash, 23 from Langstaff Way, Daniel McCash, 21, of Byron Road, Lee James Gosden, 18, from Wellow Close, a 17-year-old boy from Southampton, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and Chloe Johnson, 21, from Canberra Towers appeared before magistrates yesterday.

All five have been charged with arson with intent to endanger life. Lee James Gosden was also charged with possession of a Class C drug.

Johnson was bailed to return to Southampton Crown Court next week. Her four co-defendants were remanded in custody until the next court hearing. The allegations follow a fire at The Castle pub in Witts Hill in Midanbury on December 29.