Police have charged a man with arson following a fire which tore through an Avondale church last week.
Investigations had been underway following a fire at St Mary’s Church on Great North Road at about 4.20am on 14 July.
Thankfully there were no injuries, however the building sustained serious damage.
Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Kirk, Auckland City Crime Squad, says Police had been working hard to identify and located the person responsible.
“Officers arrested a 42-year-old man at a New Lynn property last night.
“He has been charged with one count of arson and will appear in Auckland District Court today.
“This is a great result and I would like to acknowledge the assistance received by Police from members of the public in relation to this investigation.”
The fire at St Mary’s Church, Avondale.
🎥 Fr A Matthew pic.twitter.com/NwCp0X2Ycm
— FrGerardBoyce (@nthntour18) July 16, 2025
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567336/photo-of-person-of-interest-in-avondale-church-fire-released
Torching a church can be confidently described as oxygen waster.