Launceston Police have charged two 14 year old youths with a string of offences following a house fire at Hortus Place, Newnham on Sunday afternoon.

Police allege the youths broke into the residence in Hortus Place and deliberately set fire to it.  The fire was confined to the bathroom of the residence and was extinguished by the Tasmania Fire Service however it is estimated the damage caused is $25,000.00.  The home was privately owned and the occupants were away at the time.

Police will also allege the youths were responsible for a number of home, shed and vehicle burglaries in the Newnham area and that they deliberately set fire to two vehicles parked in Barton Street, Mowbray during Sunday afternoon.  The vehicles were destroyed by the fire and were not insured.

Police estimate the value of property destroyed by fire is $105,000.00 and the supplementary damage caused to the homes, sheds and vehicles unlawfully entered is $10,000.00.

One of the youths was detained to appear in the Youth Justice Court on Monday and the other was bailed to appear at a later date.

Information can be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.