Police have arrested a 21-year-old Wellington man in connection with one of three fires at a Stokes Valley block of flats. The man was taken into custody on Thursday evening, 8 November, and charged with arson. He is due to appear Friday in Hutt Valley District Court.
The charge pertains to a fire at a Hanson Grove flat on 10 October. Two further fires were reported at the same address on 14 October and 5 November, with the latest incident leaving an 82-year-old man critically injured.
Detective Inspector Haley Ryan confirms that all three fires were intentionally set but clarifies that this arrest only concerns the initial fire. “We believe there is a strong possibility that other people are involved with that fire on Thursday, 10 October,” says Ryan. “It’s crucial that we get as much information as possible from the public to help us build a picture of what occurred.”
Police are also investigating sightings of a silver or grey car seen speeding near Hanson Grove on 5 November and a man seen cycling barefoot around that time. “We need to hear from anyone with CCTV footage of this car or who may have seen it,” Ryan says, adding that while these individuals may not be directly involved, they could hold valuable information.
Anyone with details is urged to contact Police online or by calling 105, quoting reference number 241105/2249 and Operation SOVE. Information can also be shared anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.