Police investigate three suspicious fires

Palmerston North police are investigating whether the same firebug is behind three suspicious fires in the same area last night.

Fires at two schools and a golf club appeared to be arson, assistant area commander Rodger Calder of the Palmerston North fire service told NZPA.

The service was called to a shed fire at Freyberg High School at 8.15pm.

It took two hours for firefighters from Palmerston North and Milson to put the blaze out.

A second fire was reported at Terrace End Primary School, about 1km from the first blaze, just after 9.30pm and was put out by 10pm.

And then just before 11.30pm the service was called out to a fire at a golf club on El Prado Drive in Milson.

The fire was centred in the club's lounge and the room suffered mostly smoke damage, Mr Calder said.

- NZPA