Man arrested for allegedly starting fire at Rotterdam alderman’s home

The police arrested a 43-year-old Rotterdammer on suspicion of several incidents of arson in the city. One of the fires that the suspect is linked to by police happened last month in a home in Rotterdam-Lombardijen. A home was burned entirely on the inside on July 6.

This was the same day that the home of DENK alderman Faouzi Achbar was set alight. He and his family were not home at the time of the incident. A spokeswoman for the municipality of Rotterdam confirms that the arrested man is suspected of this arson. She expresses her appreciation "that the police are tackling the investigation so expeditiously." Achbar's house is not yet habitable. The alderman is currently on vacation and does not want to comment further.

The arrested Rotterdammer was also suspected of setting fire to two cars on the Hulsterlo in the Zuidwijk on April 23. Witnesses had seen a man walking away from the scene. The suspect was arrested With the help of their description and traces left behind.

Police had already shared camera footage, which showed a man starting a fire at the alderman’s home. He arrived at the house on a bicycle, parked it on the driveway, and climbed over the fence. He entered the home via the backdoor.

By the time he left, smoke could be seen coming from the house. The images resulted in several tips, according to police, who are still seeking new information.