Hamilton Police Make Second Arson Arrest

New Zealand Police National News Release

19 December 2008

19 December 2008

Hamilton Police investigating six suspicious fires lit in the city overnight on 18-19 December have made a second arrest today.

Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Page of Hamilton CIB said the fires were lit at various sites between Collingwood St through to Queens Ave, and included rubbish skips, a phone booth and a vehicle.

"A fire in a rubbish skip by the gas mains at Braemar Hospital caused damage to the building and the loss of specialist equipment through smoke and water damage.

"The hospital's evacuation plan appeared to work smoothly and ensured any risk to patients was minimised," said Mr Page.

A 22 year old Hamilton process worker has been charged with 6 counts of arson while a 19 year old man faces one charge of arson. Both men are appearing in the Hamilton District Court this afternoon.

"These arrests come on the back of an early response by the Fire Service and Police which enabled detectives early follow up of positive lines of enquiry," said Mr Page.

Police enquiries into the fires are still continuing.

"We're appealing to members of the public who may have been in the vicinity of Lake Rd and Hill St at about 2.30-3.00 am today, and around Lake Rd and Queens Ave between 3.00 and 3.30 am to report any sightings or observations of suspicious activity.

"While the early arrests are outstanding, there are still investigations to be completed and we ask that the public come forward with information they may have," said Mr Page.

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