Man charged over church fires in Christchurch

Police have arrested a man after alleged arsons at two Christchurch churches and a cafe early yesterday.

Last night 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 (Cardboard Cathedral) on Hereford Street, and the Beach Cafe and Wine Bar in New Brighton.

The premises are alleged to have been set on fire between 1am and 5.30am on Monday.

"The man has also been charged in relation to an attempted arson of a church in Kaiapoi, burglary and wilful damage," a police spokesperson said.

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

Detective Inspector Scott Anderson, of  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," he said.