Arsonist targets new police station again

An arsonist has targeted a new police station being built in Christchurch for the second time in a week.

Detective Senior Sergeant John Rae said someone broke into the unfinished Christchurch south police station near the corner of Colombo St and Strickland St in Sydenham and started a fire about 4am yesterday.

Mr Rae said the fire burned un-noticed for a while before a neighbour noticed smoke and reported it to the fire service.

"The fire this morning has caused considerable damage to the much anticipated police station ," he said.

"Someone has gone to a lot of trouble to light fires in the building to make sure there was a lot of damage done and delay caused to the building project."

The project was due to be finished in March next year, but another arson attack overnight last Saturday had already slowed that process.

Mr Rae said there was likely to have been people near the new police station early this morning and wanted to hear from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area between 3.45am and 5.30am.

A scene examination and investigation by police and fire service personnel will continue tomorrow.

- NZPA