Police cars damaged in Lyttelton station arson

One police car has been written off and another has suffered heat damage in an arson overnight at Lyttelton Police Station.

Lyttelton Sergeant Gary Manch says the Fire Service was called to the station in Sumner Road at around 2.10am this morning [Tuesday 28 May] after a neighbour reported hearing an explosion and seeing flames at the station.

Sergeant Manch says the fire was brought under control relatively quickly but not before two marked police cars parked at the station were damaged.

"One car was fully alight and is a complete write-off, while a second car that was parked beside it has suffered heat damage to its exterior.

"There's also a small amount of damage to an exterior wall of the station."

Sergeant Manch says a woman was located by police close to the scene shortly after the incident, and has been spoken to by investigators. No arrests have been made at this stage, and enquiries are continuing.

Two small rubbish bin fires had also been found on London Street which appeared to have been lit shortly before the police station fire.

"Fortunately we can still use the station - although we're having to clamber in through a ladder at the moment as the area is still a crime scene.

"We're fortunate that the damage wasn't more severe - but it's still a blow," says Sergeant Manch.

"We lost the old police station after the earthquake and were just getting back on our feet in our temporary building."

Sergeant Manch says police would still like to hear from anyone who was witnessed the fire or saw any suspicious activity in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Christchurch police on (03) 3637400.

Alternatively, to provide information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS