Arsonist attacks National MP's caravan

National MP Nick Smith's electoral caravan has been burnt out in an arson attack outside his Nelson office.

The caravan was set alight in the carpark of his electoral office about 1.30am yesterday, police said.

It was the second recent attack on the caravan, which was rolled on its side late last year.

Senior Sergeant John Price of Richmond police said the wheel assembly and tyre of the caravan were set alight, but he declined to comment on what had been used to start it.

Neighbour Margaret Packer said she was woken by a "terrible explosion".

Another neighbour Nicky Taylor said she woke to see flames and smoke outside her window and called 111.

"It was scary. We didn't hear anything like vehicles or footsteps and I was listening very intently. It is just mindless," Ms Taylor said.

Dr Smith, who was interviewed by police today, said the attack was unnerving but he did not want to pinpoint one issue as a possible reason for it.

Damage to the caravan, which he said may have been caused by a Molotov cocktail, had been extensive.

"Me and my family were away which in some aspects was a blessing," he said.

"I hope the people who have done this will think of the seven-year-old girl who spent the best part of last night up worrying the next one would be through the window of our home. Is that what they want?"

He said the two incidents in recent months were not linked.

"The first one looked to be hoons doing it for a laugh. This was planned, deliberate and targeted. Arson is a cowardly crime."

Mr Price said they were not looking at any political aspect to the arson.

- NZPA