Dutch tourist found after van set alight

Police have located a Dutch tourist whose burning van was found on a Wellington street yesterday morning.

Police had feared for the safety of Sander Johannes De Bont, 29, after a passer-by discovered his white Toyota Hiace van on fire at 3.15am yesterday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Borrell said Mr De Bont's partner had parked the van in Holloway Road two days ago and he was not aware it had been torched until police got in touch with him today.

Mr Borrell said police were relieved to speak to him.

"We obviously had serious concerns for his safety. We will be continuing an investigation into the fire which we believe was deliberately lit," he said.

- NZPA