Burnt shed undergoes search by experts

Two men and woman charged with conspiring to manufacture P and setting fire to an industrial building, the former King Cat factory, in Katikati remain behind bars, while police continue to trawl through the property.

Karl Rodney Goldsbury, 37, of Maketu; Terence William Jones, 35, of Katikati; and Tracey Angela Farrow, 26, of Katikati; faced joint charges of conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine and arson in Tauranga District Court yesterday.

They were arrested after armed police stormed into Katikati yesterday morning shortly before a series of loud explosions were heard coming from the industrial building on Park Rd.

At the scene yesterday, about eight police forensic experts searched through the remains of the building, which lay in a heap on the ground, while armed police kept watch over the property so the area wouldn't be contaminated.

Officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Sergeant Lindsay Pilbrow, said it was "a very slow process" and staff had to be meticulous in their examination of the scene.

A forensic specialist at the address said it appeared there were five cars inside the shed when it caught alight, and all had been destroyed in the blaze.

Tauranga fire safety officer Ken McKeagg was also at the property yesterday to help determine the cause of fire. Mr Pilbrow expected police to remain at the site for most of the week.

In court, police opposed bail for all three defendants so they could have more time to complete a full scene examination of the property and to make other enquiries.

Lawyer Tony Balme did not seek bail for his client Goldsbury and he was remanded in custody by consent. He is due back on court on January 23. 2013 for a judicial intervention hearing.

However, Mr Balme sought bail for Farrow arguing that the imposing strict conditions, including a 24-hours curfew would negate any concerns. Jones also sought bail on similar terms.

But Judge Alayne Wills refused bail for both .

Jones and Farrow are due back in court on December 12, possibly to make fresh bail applications.