A 30-year-old man wanted in relation to a suspicious fire in Waihi overnight was chased several hundred metres and tackled before being taken into police custody this afternoon.
Detective sergeant Martyn Hughes said the man was identified as a person of interest in relation to a 1am fire on The
Crescent.
"Volunteer fire brigades from Waihi, Waihi Beach and Athenree fought the fire which was in a block of three units, however despite their efforts the building suffered considerable damage," Mr Hughes said.
"The fire was believed to be suspicious and police and fire service investigators commenced a scene examination this morning.
"As a result of our inquiries a man was identified as a person of interest and that person was seen riding a motor-cross bike on the beach early this afternoon," he said.