Napier police investigating the overnight arson of a flat in the suburb of Onekawa say it was only luck that stopped there being disastrous consequences.
The fire service was called about 12.45am today and found a fire in one of the Victoria Masonic Flats in Morris Spence Avenue.
The flat, which is owned by the Masonic Lodge, was extensively damaged by fire and smoke.
A later examination by fire safety officers and police showed the fire had been deliberately set, Detective Sergeant Sean Hansen of Napier CIB said.
"It was very fortunate that the 76-year-old man who resides at the address was staying away for the night or else the consequences could have been disastrous," he said.
"Of equal concern is the fact that this property is in very close vicinity to numerous other flats in the complex and if the fire been discovered later it could have easily spread to other occupied units".
Police were seeking information from the public and this could be provided confidentially if required, Mr Hansen said.
- NZPA
