Updated 8:50am, Monday January 29: A 14-year-old is facing multiple charges after two alleged arson incidents in Burnie over the weekend.
The teenager appeared in youth court last night, charged with arson, attempted arson and property destruction.
They are also facing charges for unlawfully possessing a dangerous article in a public place and providing a false name and address.
Police say the youth “will be dealt with” under the Youth Justices Act.
10am, Sunday January 28: A teenager has been arrested and police are working to locate two more following alleged arson attacks in the Upper Burnie area overnight.
Emergency services were called to a supermarket in the north-west town around 1am on Sunday after receiving reports of a fire outside the store.
According to police, witnesses saw three youths “running away from the scene” shortly after the incident.
Some 30 minutes later, a second arson attempt was reported at the nearby Upper Burnie Newsagency, where the vandals also allegedly smashed multiple windows.
The newsagent said an accelerant was used to ignite newspapers waiting at the door, marking the third attack on their shop this week.
“A 14-year-old youth is currently in police custody assisting with their enquiries,” police said.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania via crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.”
