Seven NZ Church targeted in suspicious arson race
Seven churches have been targeted in a suspected arson attack in New Zealand overnight.
Four churches in the city of Mastrton to the north of Capital Wellington, the “medium to significant” damage remained, while evidence was found that three more buildings were targeted, but did not catch the fire.
The crew of the Wairarapa region responded to the fire at around 04:30 local time (15:30 GMT) on Saturday.
A fire and emergency spokesperson said, “The fire is considered suspicious and sent to the police.” No arrests have been made.
Officials said Anglican Church in Epiphe, St. Patrick Catholic Church Mastarton, Mastrton Baptist Church and Equippers Church Mastarton were all installed on fire.
The local media reports details of broken windows, burnt chairs and scorched upholstery. All the fire is extinguished and no one is injured.
Masterton Mayor Gary Cafel said that clear attacks had shocked the community, saying that they came out of blue.
He told the local media: “You just don’t expect such a thing, and especially in a place like Mastarton.”
Local MP Mike Butterik expressed his “deep grief” and described the first respondents as “heroes” in a statement.
A funeral house in the same area, which includes a chapel, was set on fire at around 10:00, but no one was in the building.
The police stays at the scene and are asking the witnesses to come forward.
Officers will also conduct patrolling in Mastarton for Federeston and Carton in nearby cities on Saturday, and in nearby cities.
A video roaming on social media shows a person expressing responsibility for attacks, expressing religious and anti-churning sentiments.
Police and fire and emergency New Zealand have been approached for further comments.
Religious buildings in New Zealand have faced arson attacks in recent years.
Last year, a church property in Auckland was subject to two arson attacks in the same night. A mosque was set on fire in the same area in November.
In 2019, 51 people were killed in two mass firing in mosques in Christchurch. Responsible Brenton Tarant said that he too had planned Burn mosquesWant to do “as deadly as possible”.
