Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said a 32-year-old man used petrol as an accelerant to set the locked front entrance of the Dunedin Central Police Station on fire, about 4.40am today.
‘‘He's gone across the road and filmed it and then called police to let us know that he's done it,’’ Snr Sgt Bond said.
The man was arrested and will appear in the Dunedin District Court this morning, facing charges of wilful damage and arson.
‘‘His explanation is he wants to go back to prison.’’
The fire was extinguished by staff and no injuries were reported.
Later this morning, carpet and tiles at the front entrance were singed and the entranceway still smelt strongly of petrol.
Snr Sgt Bond said there had been potential for injuries to staff and prisoners in the building and further damage.
‘‘Particularly when you're pouring petrol as well, anywhere, let alone the possible self-inflicted injuries with pouring petrol and getting it on your hands or shoes and setting yourself alight too.’’
Damage of this type to the police station was rare, he said.
‘‘It's concerning in that this was fire rather than people being frustrated and kicking a window when departing sort of thing.’’
