Investigation of fires at Hornby tip

Press, 20 May 1987, Page 8

Investigation of fires at Hornby tip

f Five suspicious fires M a Hornby tip, including two since early on Monday, are under police investigation. Fire on Monday evening badly damaged the last remaining section of a . house being shifted from the tip, on Springs Road. Mr Allan Rhodes, manager of the tip, which belongs to Springs Road Developments, Ltd, said the house was owned by Castle Hill Developments and was being shifted in five sections. . The Fire Service was called to the fire about 9.30 p.m. ' Firemen had also been at the tip early on Monday morning, at a fire in a house thought to be owned by a Christchurch gang. The house, which-had been stored on the tip for the last 12 months, had been on drums.

Mr Rhode* sgMßhe flrat firt "thefiTfe teat October or. November, when-the office ..washestroyed. A shed being stored was destroyed and later, a house owned by Frew’s Transport was badly damaged. Mr Rhodes said the tip was patrolled at night, but it was difficult to "keep tabs” on 18 hectares.. He said there was no doubt the fires.. were arson. “The buildings are up on blocks and without electricity. It is too much of a coincidence.” Detective Setgeant David Quested, of Hornby, said the police were convinced the 'flits -were arson but it was uncertain how the arsonist started them. He said the police did not know whether ah accelerant was used.