A man has been arrested and charged with arson following a blaze which destroyed a Somerville home on Monday.
Police have confirmed that a 24-year-old male was charged yesterday afternoon and he was due to appear in the Manukau District Court today.
Part of Somerville Road was closed off from 4pm on Monday as fire fighters worked for several hours to get the blaze under control.
Witnesses said people could be seen fleeing the home with their pets.
At the height of the fire, neighbouring properties were evacuated and black smoke billowed from the house. It was visible from several kilometres away.
Four fire crews from Howick, Papatoetoe, Mt Wellington and Otara were called to the blaze.
Police and St John’s Ambulance service were also on hand as was the police Eagle helicopter which could be seen circling the property from the air.
The home is 250 metres from Somerville Intermediate School.
The property was monitored overnight to ensure it had been completely extinguished.
Dave Hatton, station officer Howick Fire Station, says there is intensive damage to the property.
“We delivered one low pressure delivery and two high pressure delivery. There were no injuries but the fire had been going on a wee while before we were called.
“The fire was very developed by the time we reached there. It is under investigation with the police, I can’t say much now.”
