A man who allegedly threw petrol over a passer-by after setting light to cars in Newton Abbot is to be assessed by a psychiatrist.

Connor Osiris, aged 20, was not asked to enter a plea when he appeared at Exeter Crown Court for the first time.

Judge Geoffrey Mercer, QC, adjourned his case until August 29 and remanded him in custody.

Osiris, of Seymour Road, Newton Abbot, is accused of attempted murder, four counts of arson with intent to endanger life, and one of having a bladed article.

All the charges arise from the same incident in Seymour Road, Newton Abbot on the morning of Tuesday June 25 this year in which he allegedly set light to cars while wearing a gas mask and camouflage style clothing.

He is alleged to have set light to two cars and the doorway of a house and thrown petrol at a resident who tried to stop him.

Mr David Sapiecha, defending, said Osiris is due to see a consultant forensic psychiatrist and a report should be available at the next hearing.

He said he also plans to make representations that the attempted murder charge cannot be supported by the evidence in the case.