Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi
A 12-year-old has been arrested and charged with arson over the fire at a McDonald's restaurant in Auckland last month.
Police have been investigating the suspicious fire which occurred at the Pakuranga Road branch on 5 May.
On Friday, Detective Senior Sergeant Dean Batey said a 12-year-old young person has been arrested and charged with arson.
"This young person has appeared in the Manukau Youth Court and is currently on court bail conditions," he said.
"Police appreciate the fire has been of high interest to the local community.
"We are not able to comment further around the circumstances of the alleged offending, however Police cannot rule out any further arrests in relation to the matter."
The restaurant was significantly damaged in the blaze that sent black smoke billowing across east Auckland.
Witnesses told RNZ they heard explosion sounds and believe the fire started near the children's playground.
The aftermath of the fire at McDonald's in Pakuranga. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi
While the building was fully engulfed by the flames, all staff and customers were safely evacuated from the building.
Firefighters had secured the petrol station next door and were fighting the blaze from there. Fire and Emergency said it had sent six fire trucks to the scene.
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