Suspect detained on suspicion of arson in reception center in southern Finland

Finnish police has detained a man on suspicion of setting fire to a refugee reception center in Tampere, southern Finland, reported local media on Wednesday.

The suspect is a 39-year-old man, who is a resident in the Rautaharko reception center. He is suspected of igniting a fire in the break room in the downstairs of the reception center on Tuesday.

The fire had been extinguished by the staff of the reception center 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.

The police did not disclose the man's nationality or the motive of the arson.

Between December 2015 and January 2016, three fire cases occurred in the same reception center, of which two were suspected by police as arson attacks, according to Finnish national broadcaster Yle.

The Rautaharko reception center accommodates currently a total of 120 asylum seekers. Endit