NZ police make arrest after suspicious fire

A teenager will face court after allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail into a Te Atatū South home, causing significant damage to the property and those inside.

Police were called at around 2.30am on 6 August a Molotov cocktail was thrown through the master bedroom window of a house on Cron Avenue.

Detective Sergeant Murray Free, of Waitematā CIB, says a couple were inside asleep in bed when the room suddenly became engulfed in flames.

“One person received burns to their face, and both occupants were treated for smoke inhalation and minor burns to their bodies.

“The house was extensively damaged by fire and the couple were forced to move out of their home,” Detective Sergeant Free says.

He says a search warrant was executed this week with an arrest being made.

“This was a terrifying ordeal for the victims, and a completely unprovoked attack, which will have a financial impact on these victims.

“I want to reassure the community that we are committed to making sure people are held accountable for their actions.”

A 16-year-old will appear in Waitākere Youth Court on 29 August charged with arson.

/NZ Police Public Release. View in full here.