New Zealand: Seven churches targeted in suspected arson spree

Four churches were burned while evidence suggests three more were targeted but did not catch fire.

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Four churches in the town of Masterton, north of the capital Wellington, sustained "moderate to significant" damage, while evidence was found to suggest three more buildings had been targeted but did not catch fire.

Crews from across the Wairarapa region responded to the fires at about 04:30 local time on Saturday (15:30 GMT on Friday).

"The fires are being treated as suspicious and have been referred to police," a Fire and Emergency spokesperson said. No arrests have been made.

The Anglican Church Of The Epiphany, St Patrick's Catholic Church Masterton, Masterton Baptist Church and Equippers Church Masterton were all set on fire, authorities said.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly6v3l9dm2o

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