A 47-year-old Wellington man has been arrested with burglary and arson in relation to a series of fires throughout the CBD early on Tuesday.
Wellington Area Commander, Inspector Chris Bensemann, says good work by Wellington Police conducting extensive inquiries managed to determine that the male responsible for a burglary early on Tuesday - during which he was located inside a dwelling after the occupants called Police - was also responsible for the series of fires.
Detective Sergeant Haley Ryan says: “The owners of the buildings have been spoken to by Police and are relieved their properties are much safer with a male in Police custody.”
Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Ryan says police continue to investigate another suspected arson that occurred early on Tuesday in Nairn Street, where a home was extensively damaged.
The person/s responsible set alight a couch that had been left outside the front of the property. The occupants were home at the time but managed to exit the property unharmed. Police are following strong leads to identify those responsible.
Police would like to speak with any members of the public who may have information about any of the fires that occurred throughout the early hours of Tuesday morning across the CBD.
Information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or contact Detective Sergeant Haley Ryan at Wellington Police Station on (04) 381 2000.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre