Senior Constable Chris Caldwell, Rolleston Police:
Police investigating an incident involving fireworks in Selwyn on Saturday want to speak to the occupants of two
vehicles in the area at the time.
About 7pm on November 3, a witness reported two vehicles on Newtons Road that appeared to be chasing each other,
shooting fireworks at each other out the windows.
The cars involved were a BMW and a Mazda RX8.
A witness reports both the vehicles speeding off in the direction of West Melton.
A fire then broke out in a hedge where the fireworks had hit, and quickly spread, resulting in significant damage to
several hedge-rows and gardens, as well as threatening the house on the property.
A ride-on lawnmower sitting near one of the hedges was incinerated as a result of the fire.
The occupants of the property were evacuated for the night while fire crews dampened down and monitored overnight.
It seems likely the occupants of the both vehicles knew each other, and they may not have realised their actions started
a fire, as they had fled before it started.
However, their actions were extremely dangerous given the high winds at the time.
The BMW is described as silver, with 18 inch mag wheels.
The RX8 is a distinctive metallic blue with tinted windows, black wheels, and white writing on an angle on the rear
windscreen.
Police continue to make inquiries to identify these vehicles, however want to speak with the occupants of these
vehicles, or anyone else who has information on these vehicles or their movements on Saturday evening.
If you can help, contact Christchurch Police on (03) 363 7400.