Police identify suspect after 10 fires in Lower Austria

Police have identified a suspected arsonist after 10 fires in the Purkersdorf and Gablitz area of St. Pölten district over four months, ORF reported. The 38-year-old allegedly admitted to the offences during questioning, according to police.

The fires occurred between April 17 and August 28. Waste containers and hedges were set alight or targeted in attempted arson attacks.

Witness interviews and intensive investigations by the Lower Austrian State Criminal Police Office’s fire investigation unit, together with officers from Purkersdorf police station, led investigators to the suspect, police said.

The man will be reported to the St. Pölten public prosecutor’s office on suspicion of aggravated property damage.