Hamilton fire: Police charge two people with arson

Police have charged two people with arson after a large commercial building fire in Frankton, Hamilton.

The fire burned through Frankton Motor WOF and Car Repair Panel Beater about 11.20am on March 10.

Fire and Emergency said 12 appliances and 35 firefighters worked to extinguish the 20m by 30m fire, which sent smoke billowing into the sky.

Police investigating a fire at a mechanical workshop in Frankton have charged two people with arson.

The black smoke was visible from across the city.

After an investigation, police today arrested a 46-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman.

Detective Sergeant Matt Lee said the pair is due to appear in the Hamilton District Court on May 6 charged with arson.

“We would like to acknowledge and thank the members of the public who provided information that assisted in our investigation.”

Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based reporter covering breaking news in Waikato. She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times.