7 churches burned down in one night --NZ

 


 

Seven churches burned down in one night last weekend.

Four churches in the town of Masterton, north of the capital Wellington, suffered 'moderate to extensive' damage, and three other places of worship were targeted but did not catch fire.

The fires are considered suspicious and have been reported to police.

The Anglican Church of the Epiphany, St Patrick's Catholic Church in Masterton, Masterton Baptist Church and the Equippers Church in Masterton were all set alight.

Local media reported shattered windows, burnt chairs and charred upholstery.

A funeral home in the same area, which houses a chapel, was also set alight at around 10am, but no one was inside.

In 2024, a church in Auckland was the victim of two arson attacks on the same night.

Picture: © Wellington Fire and Emergency, #newsJerutcsrbl