Photo of Suspect in Avondale Church Fire Released by Police

A new development has emerged in the investigation into the devastating fire that destroyed a historic church in Avondale, Auckland. Police have released a photograph of a man they believe may be connected to the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday morning at St Mary's Church on Great North Road.

The blaze gutted the church, leaving the local Catholic community in shock and devastation. The building, originally established in 1921 and rebuilt in the late 1950s, was a beloved and sacred site for the parishioners.

James van Schie, the general manager of the Catholic Diocese of Auckland, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss. 'The tragic loss of their beloved church is a great sadness for the Catholic community of St Mary's Avondale,' he said. He also highlighted the importance of the CCTV footage in uncovering the cause of the fire.

Authorities are now urging the public to come forward with any information that could help identify the man in the released image. Anyone with details is encouraged to contact the police on 105, citing reference number 250714/2083, or reach out to Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The fire not only caused significant damage to the church but also disrupted traffic in the area, with parts of Great North Road closed for several hours following the incident. As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful for answers and justice.

The police's release of the suspect's image marks a crucial step in the ongoing inquiry, and the public's cooperation is vital in bringing those responsible to account.