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Suspected arson in refugee reception center in central southern Finland

Xinhua, January 12, 2016 Adjust font size:

A fire broke out on Tuesday in a reception center in Tampere, central southern Finland which Police suspected was deliberately ignited, local media reported.

The fire was extinguished by the staff before rescue workers reached the scene. The rescue team in cooperation with three police officers evacuated the asylum seekers and tried to disperse the smoke.

No casualties were reported, said the Finnish daily Iltalehti.

On the basis of a preliminary investigation, police suspected that the fire was most likely ignited by a person living in the reception center.

Police have made inquires with some residents in the reception center, but the suspected arsonist has not been found.

The reception center accommodates 120 asylum seekers.

Last year, several suspected arson attacks targeting refugee reception centers or planned reception centers took place in Finland. Endit