A man is set to face court today over a string of alleged arson attacks that terrorized the residents of Newcastle yesterday. The shocking incident took place near Weakleys Drive, Beresfield, when emergency services were called to extinguish four separate fires that had been deliberately set in the area.
The entire community was on edge as Fire and Rescue NSW raced to put out the flames, fearing that the fires would quickly spiral out of control and cause extensive damage to nearby homes and businesses. Thankfully, no one was injured in the blaze.
As investigators combed through the charred remnants of the grassland, they discovered evidence that suggested the fires had been started deliberately. Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District immediately established a crime scene and launched an investigation to find the culprit.
Their efforts bore fruit when they arrested a 43-year-old man on John Renshaw Drive shortly after the fires were extinguished. The Maroubra man was taken into custody and charged with four counts of intentionally causing fire and recklessness as to its spread, as well as breaching bail conditions.
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