A 20-year-old man faces remand in custody for four weeks after being arrested on suspicion of deliberate arson. Southern and Sønderjylland Police made the arrest early Sunday morning following three separate fires in the village of Marstrup near Haderslev.
The suspect appeared in a constitutional hearing at Sønderborg Court Sunday afternoon. Police confirmed the court ordered his detention for four weeks while investigations continue.
Three separate fires occurred within 48 hours in the small village southwest of Haderslev. The first fire broke out overnight Friday into Saturday, starting in a garbage bin before spreading to a hedge. Overnight Saturday into Sunday, two more fires erupted. One began in another garbage bin and spread to a house, though the resident managed to extinguish it. A subsequent fire in another bin also reached a house, this time with more serious consequences.
The final fire affected a thatched-roof house, with flames quickly consuming the roof. The building burned completely, according to rescue service officials. Fortunately, no injuries occurred in any of the incidents.
Police are investigating whether the suspect may be connected to additional fires in the area. The rapid succession of fires in such a small community has raised concerns among residents about public safety.
This case highlights the serious consequences of arson in rural Danish communities. Thatched-roof houses, common in traditional Danish architecture, are particularly vulnerable to fire. Once flames reach the dry thatching, destruction can occur within minutes despite modern fire safety measures.
The Danish legal system allows for preliminary detention when courts believe suspects might flee, interfere with investigations, or commit further crimes. The four-week remand gives police time to gather evidence and determine whether to bring formal charges.
Small villages like Marstrup typically experience very low crime rates, making this series of fires particularly alarming for local residents. The case has drawn attention to fire safety in rural areas where emergency response times may be longer than in urban centers.
Authorities have not disclosed potential motives for the alleged arson. The investigation continues as police examine all three fire scenes for evidence.