Two adults and two children had a lucky escape after an arson attack at a house in Wanganui this morning.
The incident occurred around 5.50am when a car in a garage was set alight in Tainui Street. The car was in a garage below the house and a man aged 30, a woman aged 25, and two girls aged two and eight, were asleep in the house.
A neighbour raised the alarm and the family were able to leave the house unscathed before the fire service arrived. Two cars and the house were damaged by the fire.
This afternoon a 50-year-old woman from Wanganui was arrested and has been charged with arson. She will appear at Wanganui District Court tomorrow (Thursday 20, August)
Anyone who was in the area and saw or heard anything suspicious, or anyone who has any information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Detective Constable Andrew Buchanan on 06 349 0638.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.