As put by Detective Senior Sergeant David Thompson, Manawatu Area Investigations Manager,
An 18-year-old Palmerston North man has been arrested and charged following a building fire in Palmerston North.
On Thursday 30 November Police were called to a building on Fergusson Street, formally the Fitzherbert Bar, at around 5.20pm.
After initial enquiries the fire was deemed suspicious and a scene examination was completed.
Today, Police arrested and charged an 18-year-old man in relation to the fire.
Our investigation has identified a number of individuals who had been in the building during the afternoon of the incident, and they have been spoken to as part of our enquiries.
Further action against these individuals over the coming days is likely.
Thanks to observations from members of the public, and surrounding CCTV, we have been able to identify and locate a person believed to be responsible for this incident.
While thankfully no one was hurt, the fire caused the destruction of an iconic Palmerston North location.
We are pleased to hold someone to account for this incident and continue to make enquiries into the matter.
The 18-year-old man is due to appear in Palmerston North District Court on Tuesday 18 November, charged with Arson.
As the matter is before the courts, Police are unable to comment further.
