Arrest - Arson
Cuba Mall, Wellington

Wellington Police arrested a 40 year old man in relation to setting his motor vehicle on fire in the Cuba Street Mall, Wellington.

The man is due to appear in the Wellington District Court on Monday 28 November 2011. Police will be opposing bail. The man has been charged with arson.

At about 1.30pm this afternoon the male drove his motor vehicle into Cuba Mall and set it alight.

Detective Sergeant Michael Priston said, "These actions clearly endangered members of the public who were walking in this busy Mall area. Police are taking the behaviour of this man very seriously and the charge reflects his dangerous actions.

This incident was observed by a number of members of the public of which Police have spoken to sixteen persons at this time, however I would like any persons that witnessed this incident or have made visual recordings to contact the Police."

At this time Police believe an accelerant was used to start the fire. The scene examination is still continuing.

At this time there is no evidence that any explosive device was used.

The same man was charged earlier this week in the Wellington District Court with two charges of threatening behaviour, it is believed that today's actions relate to this same protest activity.

Witnesses are encouraged to call Wellington Police 04 3812000 or Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111.

Michael Priston
Detective Sergeant
Wellington CIB

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