Fairlie teen disturbs armed intruder

A teenage boy disrupted an armed man early this morning who had set fire to a couch in his Canterbury home.

Southern police communications shift inspector Murray Hurst said police were called to an incident at a house in Fairlie just after 6am.

He said a 14-year-boy had disturbed an armed intruder who was setting fire to a couch inside the boy's Opihi Gorge Road home.

"He has apparently disturbed a male in the lounge of the address who has set fire to the sofa.

"The male was armed with a firearm, didn't say anything to the young guy, and has then run off into the fog. It is a little bit unusual to say the least."

Members from the armed offenders squad were also called to the scene.

Mr Hurst said the man had his face covered, possibly with a balaclava, and was wearing gumboots and a black trench-coat.

He was of a medium build and was "quite tall", Mr Hurst said.

Police had not yet caught the man and a unit remained at the scene, Mr Hurst said.

The incident had left the young boy "shaken".

Anyone who saw the man or has any information that may be of use to the investigation should contact Canterbury police by calling 03 687 9809.

Information can also be provided anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

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