Man charged with two counts of arson over deadly New Zealand hostel fire
Police in New Zealand have charged a man with two counts of arson over the deadly fire that killed at least six people at Wellington's Loafers Lodge hostel earlier this week.
In a statement released on Thursday night, police said they could not rule out charging the man with further, more serious offences.
"Wellington District Police have this afternoon arrested a man in relation to the fire at Loafers Lodge in Newtown on Monday night," police said.
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Police in New Zealand have charged a man with two counts of arson over the deadly fire that killed at least six people at Wellington's Loafers Lodge hostel. Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
"The man has been charged with two counts of arson ...
"The investigation into the fire is ongoing and police have not ruled out further, more serious charges in relation to the deaths at the scene."
Police said they were confident there was no one else suspected of lighting the fire.
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"As the matter is now before the court, police are unable to provide further comment at this stage," police said.
The man is due to appear in Wellington District Court tomorrow.
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