Man arrested over tattoo studio fire

A man faced Gosford Local Court on Monday, May 30, after a fire at a tattoo studio in Umina on Sunday, May 29.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Gosford Local Court at a later date.

Emergency services were called to the studio on West St, Umina, at about 3am after reports that there was a fire inside the premises.

Police established a crime scene and began obtaining witness statements.

A short time later, police chased and apprehended a man claimed by a witness to have lit the fire.

The 31-year-old Umina man was arrested and charged with two counts of damage property by fire, escape police custody and resist police officer.

The fire was extinguished by 4.15am.

The estimated damage to the building is believed to be more than $20,000.

Media Release, 30 May 2011 NSW Police Media