Arson accused charged with attempted murder

The man accused of setting fire to the New Plymouth house where his former partner and children were asleep on Saturday now faces five attempted murder charges.

He had already been charged with arson and burglary.

Interim name suppression was granted when he appeared in New Plymouth District Court yesterday.

Police allege the man broke into the St Ives Grove house of his former partner and started a fire in the basement about 4am.

His ex-partner, their two children and the woman's parents were asleep in the house at the time.

The man was remanded for a pre-depositions hearing in New Plymouth District Court on March 6.

- NZPA