Appeal for information following suspicious fire in Awapuni, Palmerston North

Please attribute to Detective Inspector Paul Baskett, Field Crime Manager, Central District
 
Police are appealing for information following the suspected arson of a police dog wagon in Palmerston North this morning.
 
The vehicle was found alight in the Awapuni area of Palmerston North at around 4:30am this morning. Police and Fire attended the scene and the fire was extinguished shortly afterwards.
 
There were no injuries to any people or animals, and no damage beyond that to the vehicle. The vehicle was empty at the time of the fire. 
 
This is an extremely worrying incident which Police are taking very seriously. Any acts of violence and harassment towards Police including Police property will not be tolerated.   
 
Police are appealing for information relating to a person seen in the area around 4.00am this morning, 28 February. They are described as male, of slim build and around 178cm. They were dressed in dark clothing and were seen riding a black BMX-style bike.
 
Anyone with information can contact Palmerston North Police on (06) 351 3600 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
 
ENDS
 
Issued by Police Media Centre