Arrest over $1.7m arson attack

One skip caught fire and caused $225,000 damage

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A man has appeared in court over an arson attack on Westfield Riccarton Mall in July which caused $1.75 million of damage.

He appeared in the Westport District Court yesterday charged with arson and was remanded in custody to the Christchurch District Court on Monday, the Christchurch Star reported.

The 29 year-old man was allegedly caught on security footage making several attempts to set fire to rubbish in skips beside the mall about 2.20am on July 10.

One caught fire and caused $225,000 damage to the mall and $1.5 million stock damage to the Farmers store.

Detective Sergeant Ross Tarawhiti told the Star the man may face further charges.