Boy, 16, arrested for setting fire that killed his brother

A 16-year-old boy from Nieuwleusen was arrested for setting a fire in his home two weeks ago. His 22-year-old brother died in the fire. The teenager is suspected of arson, the police said in a statement.

The fire happened in the home on Zwartewaterland during the early hours of Sunday, July 14th. The parents managed to escape the flames, but their 22-year-old son died. The fire started in the attic, where his bedroom was, the local safety office said to NU.nl.

When emergency services arrived at the scene, the 16-year-old boy could not be found. Firefighters searched the home, but there was no trace of him. He later came walking up the street, according to newspaper AD.

The police immediately launched an investigation and quickly found signs of arson. The teenager was questioned by the police multiple times since the fire. "In the course of the investigation, such strong suspicions arose against him that it has now been decided to arrest him", the police said.

As the suspect is a minor, the police will make no further statements about the nature of the suspicions against him and will give no further details on the investigation.