Two suspected arsons in Wellington

Wellington police are investigating two fires in the central city at the weekend which they believe were intentionally lit.

The first badly damaged the vacant Forest and Bird building on Taranaki St at around 12.30am on Saturday. The building is due to be demolished to make way for an apartment complex.

Police said it appeared paper was used to start the fire and that a witness had reported seeing a car speeding away from the scene.

Around two hours later, a sofa was set alight at the southern gate of the Basin Reserve, causing smoke and heat damage to a fence.

Police said they understood there had been a large party near the Basin and they would like to hear from anyone who attented.

- NEWSTALK ZB