Lake Macquarie teenager arrested after alleged arson attacks

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested and charged following a series of alleged arson attacks and a police pursuit in Lake Macquarie.

Police allege the teenager targeted a KFC in Glendale on Monday night, where staff extinguished fires in a bathroom and on nearby grass. Hours later, around 1:40 am on Tuesday, emergency services responded to a fire at South Street Takeaway in Windale. Firefighters found two large bins alight behind the business, which caused damage to the building.

Following the second incident, police attempted to stop a Holden Colorado, which led to a pursuit through Bennetts Green to Belmont. The chase was eventually called off due to the dangerous manner of driving. The suspect was arrested at Belmont police station and charged with police pursuit and three counts of damaging property by fire or explosion. He was formally refused bail in children's court.