To be attributed to Senior Constable Leighton McRitchie:
Police are investigating a suspicious fire in Clyde, Central Otago last night. An area of vegetation was set alight on Koramako Corner, at the intersection of Springvale Road and State Highway 8 (Clyde-Alexandra Road). This was the second such fire in the same area in the last six months. The land where the fire occurred is owned by the Department of Conservation and managed by the Haehaeata Natural Heritage Trust. The land at Koramako Corner was planted with native Central Otago plants 25 years ago by the Department of Conservation. The area of native planting is now being extended by the Clyde Railhead Community Eco Trust, on behalf of the Haehaeata Natural Heritage Trust. A lot of volunteer hours have gone into extending the planting and the two fires have been very distressing to those who have worked so hard on the site. Police would like to hear from anyone who may have information which could assist our investigation or identify those responsible. Please contact Alexandra Police on 03 440 2500 if you can help. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. ENDSIssued by Police Media Centre.
