Woman charged with arson after blaze at Christchurch church
Photo:
Pretoria Gordon / RNZ
A woman has been arrested and charged with arson after a sudden blaze at a small church in Christchurch.
Fire and Emergency were called to the church on Atlantis Street in New Brighton after the fire alarm went off at about 2:30pm today.
Three fire trucks responded to the call, but crews found the fire well alight and called two more for backup.
The blaze was soon extinguished and an RNZ reporter at the scene said the exterior of the church appeared undamaged.
Police arrested a 35-year-old woman later that afternoon and have now charged her with arson.
She is expected to appear in the Christchurch District Court tomorrow.
Fire investigators are also at the scene.
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