Accused Piha arsonist in Tauranga court

Piha blazes. Photo: Nicole McHardy‎, Piha Community.

A 19-year-old man accused of lighting a series of fires in Piha has been arrested in Tauranga.

Waitakere Police area commander Inspector Scott Webb says police arrested the man in relation to two fires which were among a spate of fires in Piha over the past nine days.

Police can confirm the man is a Piha resident.

The man faces three arson charges and one burglary charge which relates to a fire at a local fish and chip store and a large scrub fire adjacent to the store.

The third arson charge relates to a fire that occurred in the Auckland city area within the same period.

'Piha is a tight knit community and we understand this has been a stressful time for residents,” says Scott.

'Police would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding. We have received an overwhelming response from local residents and the wider public who have come forward with information.”

Further investigations are continuing in relation to multiple other fires in the area.

'At this stage Police are not looking for anyone else and we cannot rule out the possibility of other charges being laid.”

The man will be appearing in the Tauranga District Court tomorrow.

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