Otago student on arson charge after hall fire

An 18-year-old Otago University student is to appear in court this morning on an arson charge after an attempt was made to burn down one of the university's halls of residence early today.

Police said a pile a rubbish was set alight in the foyer of Hayward Hall, in the central city, about 2.30am.

The fire set off smoke alarms, evacuating the 170 students inside at the time.

The fire did not take hold but caused smoke damage.

A student was stopped by university security staff near the hall shortly after the fire.

- NZPA