25 Aug 2023

Teen charged after Molotov cocktail sets fire to bedroom

3:38 pm on 25 August 2023

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A person suffered facial burns after a bedroom was engulfed in flames when a Molotov cocktail was thrown at a Te Atatū South home earlier this month.

Detective Sergeant Murray Free of Waitematā CIB said the attack was unprovoked and has forced a couple to move out of their property which has been extensively damaged.

Emergency services were called to the scene around 2.30am on 6 August.

A 16-year-old will appear in Waitākere Youth Court next Tuesday to face a charge of arson.

Detective Sergeant Free said the couple was asleep at the time of the attack. One person had to be treated for facial burns, both people also experienced smoke inhalation and minor burns to their bodies.

He said a search warrant was executed this week and an arrest was made.

"This was a terrifying ordeal for the victims, and a completely unprovoked attack, which will have a financial impact on these victims.

"I want to reassure the community that we are committed to making sure people are held accountable for their actions."