Icelandic arson suspect detained for investigation
Icelandic police have detained a suspected arsonist for one week after four fires at a Selfoss apartment building. Authorities are investigating whether the same person started all the blazes that occurred within one month. The extended custody suggests police view the suspect as a potential community threat.
A man suspected of multiple arson attacks in an Icelandic apartment building will remain in custody for one week. Police requested the detention order to continue their investigation.
Thorsteinn M. Kristinsson, police chief in South Iceland, confirmed the detention in a statement to media. The suspect was arrested earlier this week after four separate fires occurred at an apartment complex on Fossvegur street in Selfoss.
Selfoss is a town of approximately 10,000 people located 60 kilometers east of Reykjavík. The most recent fire occurred last week in the same multi-unit residential building.
Police are now investigating whether the same person started all four fires. Three fires had already occurred in the same building during the past month.
Authorities took one person into custody on Wednesday when another fire broke out at the Fossvegur apartment complex. The repeated incidents have raised concerns about public safety in the residential neighborhood.
Multiple fires in such a short timeframe suggest either a serious safety issue or deliberate action. The extended detention indicates police consider the suspect a flight risk or potential danger to the community.