Police are seeking a man following a spate of church arsons in Masterton in the early hours of Saturday.
Michael Kane McRae, 44, has a warrant out for his arrest.
“We believe Mr McRae will be able to assist with our investigation into several arsons at churches in Masterton on the morning of Saturday, February 22,” police said.
Four Masterton churches suffered damage ranging from “moderate to significant” following a group of suspicious fires believed to have started between 4.25am and 4.35am.
The churches affected were the Anglican Church of the Epiphany, St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Masterton Baptist Church, and Equippers Church Masterton.
Police have also reiterated their appeal for information about a green Ford Festiva spotted leaving the scene of one of the fires.
“Police are working to establish the movements of the vehicle in the early hours of Saturday morning when the arsons were reported, and the day or days beforehand,” a spokesperson said yesterday.
The vehicle was located abandoned on Sunday on Mikimiki Road north of Masterton, leading armed police to cordon off the road as they worked to locate the occupant.
“A significant search was deployed into the area, however no occupants of the vehicle were located,” the spokesperson added.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact police.
