58-year-old man arrested in Ugchelen arson; Police probe link to another blaze
A 58-year-old man from Amsterdam has been arrested in connection with an arson attack on a home in Ugchelen, police said Friday. He is suspected of setting a fire on Hoog Buurloseweg in the night of March 23 to 24. Investigators are also examining whether he was involved in a second, more recent blaze at the same address that left the home destroyed and one resident injured.
The suspect was taken into custody on Tuesday, April 29. He was brought before an examining magistrate on Friday, who ordered him held for an additional 14 days. The man is currently detained on suspicion of involvement in the March incident.
Authorities are also investigating whether he can be linked to another suspected arson case at the same location, which took place overnight from April 27 to 28. That fire devastated the thatched-roof villa and caused significant damage. One resident sustained injuries during the incident.
According to police, residents encountered a masked man placing a gas cylinder near the front door shortly before the fire broke out. Flames quickly spread through the roof, and the fire was classified as a major blaze. Police had already stated that the fire was believed to have been intentionally set. The possible connection between the suspect and this later fire, as well as any other related incidents, is still under active investigation.
Police are urging anyone with information about the fires to come forward, emphasizing that even seemingly minor details could prove crucial to the case. Tips can be reported via the general police number 0900-8844 or anonymously through Meld Misdaad Anoniem at 0800-7000. Meld Misdaad Anoniem operates independently from the police and only forwards information once it can no longer be traced back to the source.
Additionally, individuals can contact the Criminal Intelligence Team (TCI) at 088-661 77 34. The TCI is one of the few departments authorized to protect the identity of its sources. Personal information shared with the TCI is kept strictly confidential and is not accessible to others within or outside the police organization.
