House set on fire after robbery

A flat in Packe Street, Christchurch was damaged by fire during the evening of Saturday 3 November 2007.

The sole male occupant of the address had gone out for the evening and when he returned home at about 10.30pm discovered that his lounge was on fire and called the Fire Service.

The fire is being treated as suspicious as it appears that the flat was burgled prior to the fire.

There is electronic eqipment missing from the address including a 42' Plasma TV and DVD recorder.

The cause of the fire is not known but is not believed to be as the result of fireworks.

The lounge at the address has received extensive heat , smoke and water damage. 

If any members of the public have any information relating to this burglary and fire please contact Const Andrew Scahill Papanui Police ph 374 1704.