Police make arrest over 'ram raid' arson

Photo / NZPA

Police have arrested a 17-year-old youth after a south Auckland liquor store was damaged when an allegedly stolen car was driven into it and set alight early yesterday.

A Fire Safety investigation revealed that the car had been deliberately set alight after it reversed into the Manurewa Liquor Store at Northcrest shopping centre just before 2am.

Detective Sergeant Malcolm Hassall, of Manurewa CIB, said the youth was arrested and charged after being identified by police in CCTV footage.

He appeared the Manukau District Court today facing two charges of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle. One of the charges was to do with an unrelated incident.

Police were looking for at least two more people in connection with the liquor store incident.

The youth arrested today is due to reappear in the Manukau District Court on August 3.

Further inquiries were still being made as to whether he was involved in the arson, Mr Hassall said.

- NZPA