"Police appeal for witnesses to series of fires in Central City"

At approx 3.30am this morning (29 September 2015) emergency services were alerted to a series of fires near a complex of flats on Bangor Street in Christchurch City.

Detective Constable Zhe Zhang says “Two fires were located in skips at construction sites surrounding the property while the third fire was in a garage adjacent to one of the flats. Police and Fire Service Investigators completed a scene examination this morning and we are now treating the fires as suspicious.”

Police and Fire Service investigations are continuing.

“The flat adjacent to the garage fire sustained considerable damage however the occupant was able to raise the alarm and escaped injury. Police understand there were working smoke alarms in the flat at the time of the fire” said Detective Constable Zhang.

“Given the timing and location of the fires it is fortunate that no one in the complex of flats was killed or seriously injured. This is a timely reminder that working smoke alarms do save lives and for everyone to check they have working smoke alarms in their property”

Canterbury Police urge anyone who has any information relating to the fires or saw any suspicious behaviour in the area in the hours before the fires started to contact Police by calling 03 363 7400.

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

ENDS

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