Elderly Woman Escapes From Arson Scene
New Zealand Police Wellington News
25 September 2006
A spritely 90-year-old Tawa woman is lucky to be alive after an arsonist set fire to her home about midnight last night.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Oxnam said the arson is "one of the most senseless things I can think of".
The fire, in a unit at Redwood Retirement Village, at the south end of Tawa, caused considerable damage.
"Fortunately the lady, who was the only occupant, heard the fire and was able to get out unharmed," Detective Senior
Sergeant Oxnam said.
Police are appealing for sightings of anyone who was seen acting suspiciously in the area about the time of the fire.
Meanwhile police have arrested a 15-year-old youth and charged him with two counts of arson following Friday night's
fire at Te Kura Maori O Porirua School - the former Waitangirua Intermediate.
The youth will appear in the Porirua District Youth Court today. A 13-year-old co-offender has been referred to youth
aid.
ENDS