Seven churches targeted in suspected arson spree
Seven churches have already targeted in the alleged arson attack in New Zealand overnight.
Four churches in the town of Masterton, north of the capital Wellington, were damaged “medium to major”, and there is evidence that three more buildings were targeted but did not catch fire.
Crews from the Wairarapa area responded to the fire at about 04:30 local time on Saturday (15:30 GMT on Friday).
“The fire was deemed suspicious and has been referred to the police,” a fire and emergency department spokesman said. No arrests were made.
Authorities say the Anglican Church of the Epiphany, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Masterton Baptist Church and Masterton of the Super Church are all on fire.
Descriptions of broken windows, burnt chairs and coking interiors were reported in local media. All the fires were put out and no one was injured.
Masterton Mayor Gary Caffell said the obvious attack shocked the community, adding that they stood out from the blue.
“You just don’t expect this to happen, especially in places like Masterton,” he told local media.
Local Councilman Mike Butterick expressed his “deep sadness” as a “hero” in a statement.
Fun houses in the same area also set fires around 10:00, but no one was in the building.
Police stayed at the scene and asked witnesses to step up.
Officials will also patrol the Masterton to secure residents throughout Saturday as well as nearby towns of Featherston and Carterton.
Videos circulating on social media showed a man claiming responsibility for the attack, expressing anti-religious and anti-sectarian sentiment.
Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand has been contacted for further comments.
Religious buildings in New Zealand have been hit by arson in recent years.
Last year, a church property in Auckland underwent two arson attacks the same night. Mosques were also set on fire in the same area in November.
In 2019, 51 people were murdered in two mass shootings at the Christchurch mosque. Brenton Tarrant, the man in charge, said he also plans to Burn the mosquewant to “cause as many deaths as possible”.
