Suspected arson evidence splattered on kindy walls

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A blazing wheelie bin, exploding spaghetti, and a hunt for the culprit through the dark streets of Whanganui made for an eventful Wednesday evening.

Emergency services were called out to Central Whanganui at 10.45pm where a wheelie bin was on fire at the Baptist Church kindergarten.

Whanganui Fire station officer Jes Sorensen said police arrived first and put the fire out, but by that time spaghetti that had been in the bin "blew up and splattered around the walls" of the kindergarten.

"So a bit of a mess."

Mr Sorensen said the bin was in a sheltered area by the building, but only the bin was damaged.

They are treating the fire as suspicious.

Mr Sorensen said dog handlers arrived on scene and were tracking a potential offender, but a police spokeswoman said on Thursday they were still trying to find out who was responsible.

She said there was damage to the playground as well.

"Police are making enquiries to find who is responsible and would like to hear from anyone who may have information which will help their investigation.

"People can contact Whanganui Police on 06 349 0600 or information can be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."