Two people taken into custody in relation to suspicious fire

Nelson Police have taken two people into custody following a suspicious fire in the Upper Moutere area this afternoon. 
 
Police were called after two people were seen acting suspiciously in a rural Upper Moutere forestry block at around 2pm today, being a location not far from the scene of last week’s fire. 
 
Detective Inspector Paul Borrell, Nelson Bays Area Commander, says these people left the forestry area in a vehicle but were apprehended some kilometres away as result of a well-coordinated response between FENZ and police staff, that included the re-deployment of a helicopter.  
 
“We would like to thank local contractors who initially spotted the pair and immediately notified Police,” says Detective Inspector Borrell. 
 
“The use of the helicopter enabled real-time information to be passed to police providing the location of the car and persons shortly before 3pm.” 
 
“Two people were taken into custody without incident. We are currently speaking to them in relation to the this fire. A further media release will be made should charges be laid.” 
 
ENDS 
 
Issued by Police Media Centre.