Tauranga Police today arrested two local men following the arson of a residential dwelling in Maungatapu, Tauranga.
The fire occurred at about 3pm yesterday afternoon (Monday, 4 May). Extensive fire and smoke damage occurred to the house and it is believed that an accelerant was used. There was nobody home at the time and nobody was injured.
Detective Sergeant Alan Kingsbury said that it is fortunate that neighbours took fast action when they observed the fire. He said that had it not been for the actions of the neighbours using garden hoses on the fire, it is likely that the house would have been destroyed.
The two men, both unemployed and aged 21, will appear in the Tauranga District Court tomorrow (Wednesday 6 May), both charged with arson.
They are both also facing unrelated charges of burglary as well as arson charges relating to separate fires which have recently occurred to a mobility scooter parked at an address in 17th Avenue and rubbish bins at Tauranga Boys High School.
Detective Sergeant Alan Kingsbury said that the police appreciated the quality information that members of the public were able to provide and that this was a significant factor in the arrests being made.
Media enquiries should be referred to Detective Sergeant Alan Kingsbury on 07 577 4300.