Queensland police capture arson suspect

A man who evaded police for three days following machete and arson attacks in central Queensland has been captured.

Officers arrested the 51-year-old in the Byfield State Forest, near Rockhampton, after members of the public alerted them he was in the area, police said on Wednesday.

The man escaped on Sunday after he was found lighting fires in bush near a campground at Waterpark Creek, Byfield.

It's alleged he then invaded a home and threatened the occupant with a machete before stealing his car.

The man has been charged with armed robbery, arson, motor vehicle theft and evading police.

He's due to appear in Rockhampton Magistrate's Court on Thursday.