A 45-year-old woman has been charged with wilfully setting fire to a property after a suspicious fire in Massey last night – after allegedly being spotted with a jerry can prior to the blaze.
Police were first called to the incident at around 7.40pm on Sunline Avenue following a report of a fire.
When police arrived, crews from Fire and Emergency New Zealand were at the property extinguishing the fire, which had engulfed two vehicles and exterior structures.
Police acting detective Inspector Megan Goldie said all occupants were accounted for.
"Police secured the scene, and a scene examination was completed alongside FENZ."
A witness then told police they had seen a woman walking towards the property with a jerry can prior to the fire starting.
"The police dog unit was deployed to locate the woman."
While these inquiries were underway, police were also called to a disorder incident at Scarlett Drive, Rānui.
"Police located a woman at the address who had sustained burn injuries."
The woman fled the scene, but continued to be tracked by the police dog and the police eagle helicopter.
"She was located close by and arrested."
The 45-year-old was due to appear in Waitakere District Court today.
"She is appearing at [the court] via a bedside hearing as she is currently in Middlemore Hospital."
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