Chch police blame arsonists for car and house fires

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Christchurch police are investigating two suspicious fires after a house was almost gutted and two vehicles were set alight on Friday.

A bus and a truck were found on fire at a storage yard on Owles Terrace, New Brighton, about 12.30am.

A short time later an empty red zone property on Bexley Rd was found on fire with its interior almost gutted.

Detective Dion Murray of Papanui police said both fires appeared to be deliberately lit.

"We would like to hear from anyone who saw anyone in the area of Owles Terrace or Bexley Rd on Friday night," he said.

Parts of Christchurch, largely abandoned since the earthquakes, have been plagued by arsons which residents and authorities fear will result in death or injury eventually.