Three teenagers have now been charged over a blaze that tore through an empty shop in Gympie’s CBD.
Fire crews raced to put out the flames on Sunday afternoon, but say they caused significant damage to the second storey of the Mary Street building.
Gympie Child Protection Investigation Unit detectives allege three teenage boys entered the store just before 1pm, before setting fire to a mattress and box on the first and second floors using an accelerant.
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Following a review of council CCTV, a 13-year-old boy was arrested at a nearby skate park later that afternoon, after a brief footchase by police.
Another two boys, aged 14 and 15 were taken into custody on Wednesday.
All three will be dealt with under provisions of the Youth Justices Act.
