Two charged with arson over Kaikoura fire

Two men have been arrested and charged with arson following a suspicious fire at the Ministry of Fisheries offices in Kaikoura overnight.

Fire Service communications spokesman Daryl Ball said the fire service was called to the Beach Rd blaze just before 2.30am.

Two Kaikoura appliances were called to the fire and found the building well ablaze on arrival. Two offices were badly damaged by the fire.

Kaikoura police Sergeant Barry Hansen said police dogs tracked a scent to a nearby address and two men were arrested and charged with arson.

A scene investigation is underway today.

- NZ Herald staff