The owners of a 105-year-old house that was significantly damaged in an alleged deliberate fire in Christchurch say they are 'devastated'.
Firefighters were called to the fire at the house on Park Terrace, which borders Hagley Park, at about 1.15am on Sunday.
Thomas and Laura Mckellow are the owners of the property.
They told the Herald a family member and some friends were visiting for the weekend but were out at the time of the incident.
"They returned home to find the house in flames. We are truly devastated by the loss but are just thankful no one was asleep upstairs at the time.