17-year-old charged with arson and attempted murder

Greymouth Police today charged a 17yr old moss processor from Dobson with attempted murder and arson following last week's attack on a Dobson pensioner in his home.

Acting Area Commander for the West Coast, Senior Sergeant Stu Koefoed, stated that the 17 yr old youth had been further remanded in custody until 27th May in Greymouth.

The victim has now been named as 74 yr old Peter Lawrence.

Mr Lawrence's condition has stabilised and he is expected to be transferred from Wellington to Greymouth Hospital in the next few days is a serious but stable condition.

Mr Lawrence has regained consciousness and will be spoken to further by local Detectives following his return to Greymouth.