Police have made an arrest after four Canterbury fires

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch
Sep 07, 2020 |

Police have made an arrest after three alleged arson attacks early on Monday in Christchurch at two churches and a cafe.

Last night, Christchurch Police charged a 21-year-old man in relation to the fires at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Parklands, the Christchurch Transitional Cathedral on Hereford Street, and the Beach Cafe and Wine Bar in New Brighton.

Police say these premises are alleged to have been deliberately set on fire between 1am and 5.30am on Monday 7 September.

The man has also been charged in relation to an attempted arson of a church in Kaiapoi, burglary and willful damage.

He is due to appear in the Christchurch District Court today.

Detective Inspector Scott Anderson of the Canterbury CIB says the arrest was the result of good Police investigative work.

“We’re pleased to have been able to bring about a swift result, which we hope will offer the community reassurance.”

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch

Chris Lynch is a journalist, videographer and content producer, broadcasting from his independent news and production company in Christchurch, New Zealand. If you have a news tip or are interested in video content, email [email protected]

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