Detectives from the Northern Investigation Section have charged a 17-year-old male with arson following a structure fire in Gunbalanya.

Detective Senior Sergeant David Richardson said Police allege the male used an accelerant to set fire to a residence at around 3am on Monday.

“The house was completely destroyed by the fire with Police estimating the total damage to cost around $400,000. Fortunately no one was injured.

“The male was arrested by members from the Northern Investigation Section and General Duty Officers in Gunbalanya yesterday morning and later charged.

“He was remanded in custody and will appear in Darwin Youth Justice Court on Friday.”