Investigators probe four fires
Christchurch police are investigating four suspicious fires in Avonside.
The fires were lit between 4.30am and 7.15am yesterday in Keller St and Avonside Drive within a 1-kilometre radius in the red-zoned area.
‘‘Two fires were in unoccupied houses, another was in a garage adjacent to a vacant property and the fourth was a vegetation fire,’’ Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Stewart said.
He said police were seeking information from the public about any suspicious activity in the area yesterday morning.
Police also want information on a van seen in the area at the time.
Meanwhile, security cameras may hold the key to identifying an arsonist responsible for destroying an automotive business that maintains the region’s ambulance fleet.
Detective Sergeant Craig Johnson said police were working with up to four Hazeldean Rd businesses to obtain video surveillance footage that could identify an arsonist who fled from police after lighting a fire that gutted Milligan Automotive about 5.40am Sunday.
The business is responsible for maintaining about 100 St John vehicles in Canterbury, and has relocated to Disraeli Automotive nearby to continue operating.
Owner Dean Milligan expects to be there for the next three months.
Johnson said police were close to catching the offender when a police dog trailed him to a nearby cemetery in Selwyn St on Sunday, but the scent was lost.
‘‘We have got assistance from three to four businesses which potentially could have footage of interest to us,’’ Johnson said.
‘‘Unfortunately, due to compatibility of the systems, we are having a couple issues in regard to compiling and reviewing it so it’s going to take several days before we can access that,’’ he said.
Milligan estimated the repair bill to exceed $100,000, with three vehicles, car hoists, machinery and stock among the damaged items.
The roof was also destroyed by the fire.
Johnson said no-one had come forward with information on the incident, but those with information of interest can contact police on (03) 363 7400 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.