ARREST: 39 year-old held in connection with container fires in Palma

THE National Police have arrested a suspected arsonist believed to be responsible for a number of container fires in Palma.
But it has not been confirmed whether or not the 39 year-old Spanish man is behind more than 100 incidents which destroyed around 300 containers and a dozen cars in the last 12 months, causing over €300,000 worth of damage.
On one occasion, a man reportedly suffered severe smoke inhalation and ‘almost died’, meaning whoever was responsible for setting fire to a nearby container could face charges of attempted murder.
According to police sources, the detainee, arrested on Wednesday, is being held in connection with the torching of 11 large waste containers in the s’Arenal streets of Canyes, Asdrubal and Trasime, on December 8.
These arson attacks took place in broad daylight, unlike the others in Palma which occurred at night or in the very early hours of the morning.
National Police have been investigating the wave of deliberate fires due to the sheer volume of blazes and believe that the arsonist, or arsonists responsible, may still be at large.