NEWS

Varibombi arson suspect denies he set fire

A 60-year-old man arrested in connection with a large fire on Monday night that razed large tracts of forestland and damaged several homes in Varibombi at the foot of Mount Parnitha, north of Athens, has denied the charges.

According to police, the suspect was arrested late on Tuesday while attempting to kindle a clump of branches and dry grass close to the area where he is believed to have set Monday night’s fire.

Police said a jerry can of flammable liquid and several lighters were found in a car without license plates that is believed to belong to the suspect.

In his defense, the 60-year-old, whose name has not been made public, said he had driven to the area to collect building material. He also said that his gas tank had a problem which caused it to leak fuel on the ground.

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