Suspect arrested for arson attacks that killed 24 horses
The Local - [email protected]
Published: 24 Jul, 2017 CET.
Updated: Mon 24 Jul 2017 10:54 CET
Police in the canton of Vaud have arrested a suspect over the series of fires in the Fribourg/Vaud border area on July 15th which resulted in the death of 24 horses at a riding school.
The suspect was arrested on Friday as part of the investigation into the seven fires that ravaged barns, fields and buildings including a stables at the National Equestrian Centre (IENA) in Avenches.
At the time police confirmed they were treating the fires as criminal acts.
On Friday Vaud police said they had arrested one person, but gave no further details.
However it was widely reported by Swiss media that the suspect was a volunteer fireman who helped extinguish the fire at the riding school.
According to 20 Minutes, the man, in his 20s, was hailed for his heroism and bravery as he tackled the flames and expressed his devastation that he was unable to save the 24 horses.
A witness who spoke to 24 Heures said the man was even upset at the thought that his own horse may be inside the building.
After the fire, the man’s behaviour aroused the suspicions of employees of the riding school, said both papers.
“He said and did too much,” a source told 20 Minutes.
Police said they had requested the suspect be detained while the investigation is ongoing.
“The presumption of innocence prevails, and in the interests of the investigation no further information will be given,” said the statement.
Comments
See Also
The suspect was arrested on Friday as part of the investigation into the seven fires that ravaged barns, fields and buildings including a stables at the National Equestrian Centre (IENA) in Avenches.
At the time police confirmed they were treating the fires as criminal acts.
On Friday Vaud police said they had arrested one person, but gave no further details.
However it was widely reported by Swiss media that the suspect was a volunteer fireman who helped extinguish the fire at the riding school.
According to 20 Minutes, the man, in his 20s, was hailed for his heroism and bravery as he tackled the flames and expressed his devastation that he was unable to save the 24 horses.
A witness who spoke to 24 Heures said the man was even upset at the thought that his own horse may be inside the building.
After the fire, the man’s behaviour aroused the suspicions of employees of the riding school, said both papers.
“He said and did too much,” a source told 20 Minutes.
Police said they had requested the suspect be detained while the investigation is ongoing.
“The presumption of innocence prevails, and in the interests of the investigation no further information will be given,” said the statement.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.