A man has been charged following a collision in Stratford which left a man and a woman fighting for their lives.

Nerijus Jarutis, 28, a Lithuanian man of no fixed abode, was arrested yesterday (Tuesday, March 5), and charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving, arson, intent to pervert the course of justice, failing to stop at the scene of an accident, failing to report an accident, and driving without insurance.

He was due to appear in custody at Thames Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday, March 6).

The injured couple remain in a critical condition after the collision in High Street Stratford, which happened shortly after midnight on Sunday. Police said a burned-out car found nearby was believed to have been involved in the incident.

A 29-year-old woman, who was arrested on Monday (March 4), was bailed to return to a police station in May pending further enquiries.