A 42-year-old man will face court following an investigation into two alleged arson attacks on a Newcastle gym earlier this year.
Emergency services were called to the fitness centre on Albert Street, Wickham, about 10pm on Tuesday 20 January.
At the scene, officers attached to Newcastle City PD located a smashed front door and minor fire damage in the lobby area of the building.
Then, three days later, about 11.50pm on Friday 23 January, emergency services were tasked to the same gym again.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews extinguished a blaze on the ground floor, however it still caused significant structural damage.
After establishing a crime scene, Newcastle detectives began inquiries into the incidents under Strike Force Halesworth.
Subsequently, a vehicle – allegedly involved in the crimes – was found burning in bushland at Salamander Bay about 6.40pm on Wednesday 4 February.
Following extensive inquiries, officers executed a search warrant at a home on Keel Street, Salamander Bay, about 7.30am on Thursday 5 March.
A man was arrested, taken to Nelson Bay Police Station and charged with three counts of damage property by fire/explosion.
After being refused bail, he’ll front Bail Division Court 2 on Thursday 5 March.
Inquiries under Strike Force Halesworth continue.
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