A young man has been charged with burglary and arson after allegedly stealing from a house before setting it on fire in Tasmania’s south.
The 22-year-old was arrested after the blaze at Lune River on Wednesday evening, which destroyed the property on Lune River Road.
Police allege he broke into the house – now a crime scene – stole items and then lit the fire at about 6:05pm.
Firefighters from Southport, Dover and Geeveston responded but arrived to find the building already engulfed in flames.
A short time later, police received reports of a vehicle leaving the area around the time the fire started.
Officers from Dover Police Station intercepted a Holden and found what they allege were items stolen from the property.
The driver was arrested and charged with aggravated burglary and arson. He remains in custody.
Southern CIB Detective Inspector David Gill said the quick work of attending officers was likely key to solving the case.
“While investigations are continuing, the quick thinking and diligence of attending uniform officers is commended,” he said.
“The interception and search of the vehicle led to the identification of evidence and timely arrest of the suspect.”
Forensics officers, fire investigators and detectives are examining the scene, which remains cordoned off.
The seized vehicle is undergoing further examination as investigations continue.
