Wadeye Police have arrested and charged a 31-year-old man with attempted arson following an incident in the community yesterday.

Officer in Charge of Wadeye Station, Sergeant George Watkinson said Police were called to a nearby camp just before 7:00 am with reports of a house fire.

“On arrival Police observed a significant amount of smoke pouring out of the windows of the house. Members forced their way into the house to ensure there was no one inside,” said Sergeant Watkinson.

“Using the Community fire tender, Police quickly extinguished the blaze before it spread through the house. The house received minor smoke and heat damage as a result of the fire.

“It is alleged the man had been at the location earlier that morning and after a domestic dispute, he set a mattress and some rubbish on fire before fleeing the area.

“There was a woman and her three young children at the house at the time and it is very fortunate no one was injured as a result of his alleged actions.”

The man has been charged with attempted arson and criminal damage. He will appear in the Wadeye Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 8 January 2013.