A MAN has appeared in court accused of threatening to burn down a Bournemouth town centre casino.

Amir Abol Abolghassem, aged 59, allegedly made the threat to staff and members of the public at Genting Casino in Yelverton Road on Monday, September 28.

Abolghassem, of Charminster Road, Bournemouth, also faces a charge of criminal damage.

The defendant did not enter pleas to the threat or criminal damage allegations during a brief hearing at Poole Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, September 30.

He was remanded into custody ahead of his next appearance at Bournemouth Crown Court on November 5.

Abolghassem admitted one count of possession of a bladed article, namely a stanley knife, and he will be sentenced at a later date.

As reported, police officers and fire crews were called to a reported incident at Genting Casino at shortly after 3pm and a cordon was put in place.