Neighbours surprised at arson accusation

Police say the fire at John Key's electorate office in Kumeu caused minor damage. Photo / Dean Purcell

The man accused of an arson attack at Prime Minister John Key's electoral office was regarded as "polite" and "harmless" by neighbours.

The 31-year-old was granted interim name suppression at a court appearance at Waitakere District Court yesterday, where he faced two arson charges.

Residents at the man's rural Helensville address wouldn't speak about him yesterday.

"It'll just have to be worked out through the courts," one woman said.

A neighbour said the man was often picked on by local youths and had recently been beaten up.

He had been surprised to hear of his arrest.

"To me, he seems harmless," he said. "He looks rough and ready and he's probably stayed on the streets a few nights, but he's very polite.

"I've given him a ride into town a few times and he sits in town and waves at everybody."

The fire at Key's Kumeu office caused minor damage, police said. A window was broken and a fire started inside the building at 3am on Thursday. No one was inside.

The accused was arrested on Friday and appeared yesterday in the Waitakere District Court on two charges relating to the electorate office attack and a fire at the Helensville Rugby Club on August 12.

He entered no plea and did not apply for bail. He was granted interim name suppression and remanded in custody until his next court appearance tomorrow.