New Zealand Police Alert 9:00am 15 Apr 2008 Wellington

Location of incident: St Peters Church Wellington

Incident type: Arson

At approximately 5.30pm on Monday 14 April 2008, a small fire was lit against a boarded up wall at the St James Car-park, Wakefield Street, Wellington. The Fire Service was called and were able to quickly extinguish the flames - minimal damage was caused.

At approximately 5.50pm a second fire was intentionally lit inside an insecure garage, situated on Eva Street, Wellington. The Fire Service again was able to quickly extinguish the flames.

At approximately 6.10pm the historic St Peters Church, on the corner of Ghuznee & Willis Streets, was broken into and another fire was intentionally lit inside the main body of the church. The sprinkler system activated and contained the flames until the Fire Service were able to fully control the fire. An internal wall was damaged by the flames but the church also sustained substantial water damage.

The Fire Service report that the church would have been razed to the ground had the sprinkler system not activated.

Later in the evening a 22 yr old local male was arrested and charged with 3 x Arson and 1 x Burglary. He will appear in the Wellington District Court later today - his bail will be opposed.

Police are very appreciative of information received from the public which enabled this speedy arrest.

ENDS

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