Suspect Arrested in Leipzig's 'Lange Lene' Arson Case

A 40-year-old resident of the iconic housing complex is in custody, accused of a series of fires that caused significant damage since November 2024.

Police arrested a 40-year-old man suspected of setting four fires in the 335-meter-long 'Lange Lene' housing complex in Leipzig's Probstheida district.
The suspect, who is a resident of the building, was detained in Dresden while visiting relatives and is now in pre-trial detention.
The fires occurred between November 2024 and January 2025, with significant damage reported to the building's water and electricity infrastructure in some instances.
The man had a prior criminal record for arson, and investigators believe he attempted to start another fire shortly before his arrest.
Residents of the 'Lange Lene' expressed relief following the arrest, describing the past weeks as marked by fear, disrupted utilities, and sleepless nights.