Fire safety and police officers at the scene of a Mosgiel
house fire. Photo by Craig Baxter.
A 38-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly
deliberately setting fire to a Mosgiel house on Christmas
night.
Detective Sergeant Rob Hanna, of the Dunedin CIB, said the
man was known to the family who lived in the three-bedroom
house on Lorne St. They were out of town at the time of the
fire.
The house was extensively damaged in the blaze, which started
about 10pm.
Police charged the man with arson and said they were not
looking for anyone else in connection with the blaze.
Inquiries were continuing.
''We have finished our scene investigation and we are still
conducting interviews with witnesses,'' Det Sgt Hanna said.
''It's a terrible thing to happen on Christmas Day to
anyone,'' he said.
Fire Service southern communications shift manager Karl
Patterson said firefighters were called to the blaze at
10.15pm.
The house was well alight when they arrived, Mr Patterson
said.
Two appliances from Mosgiel and trucks from Lookout Point and
Roslyn attended the fire, which was under control by about
1am, Mr Patterson said.
The alleged arsonist was remanded in custody to reappear on
January 15 when he appeared in Dunedin District Court
yesterday.
- vaughan.elder@odt.co.nz
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