11 Dec 2023

Police appeal for information after fire causes extensive damage to Palmerston North building

1:23 pm on 11 December 2023
A CCTV image of the two people who arrived at the Matipo Lane premises in Palmerston North early on the morning of 30 November in a Toyota Echo with a covered number plate. Police are appealing for information about a suspicious fire at the location.

A CCTV image shows two people who arrived at the Matipo Lane premises in Palmerston North in a Toyota Echo with a covered number plate early on the morning of 30 November. Police are appealing for information about a suspicious fire at the location. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police

Police are appealing for information following a suspicious fire in Palmerston North last month.

They said two people were seen on CCTV at the Matipo Lane premises around 2.30am on Thursday, 30 November.

Police have released those images in a bid for information.

Detective Sergeant Shelley Ross said the pair arrived in a Toyota Echo with a covered number plate.

"The passenger broke the window of the building," said Ross. "The driver lit something on fire and threw it through the broken window then tossed an accelerant on the fire."

Ross said the passenger then threw a large glass bottle containing liquid into the building.

The fire burned for approximately two hours before it was found and there was extensive damage to the building.

Anyone with information was urged to contact police and reference the case number 231130/5707.

Information could also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers.