Police have arrested a man suspected of torching a building in Waihi Beach overnight.

Emergency services were called to the fire on Waihi Beach's ‘The Crescent' about 1am to find a dwelling 'well ablaze”.

Firefighters dealt with a suspicious fire in Waihi Beach overnight.

'Volunteer Fire brigades from Waihi, Waihi Beach and Athenree fought the fire which was in a block of three units however despite their efforts the building suffered considerable damage,” says Detective Sergeant Martyn Hughes.

'The fire is believed to be suspicious, and police and fire investigators examined the scene this morning.”

Martyn says as a result of inquiries, a man was identified as a person of interest and was seen riding a motor-cross bike on the beach early yesterday afternoon.

At one point the man stopped his motorbike and a detective took the opportunity to end his escapades.

'The detective came in at the offender from his blindside and ran about 200m in body armour to affect a very effective tackle before the offender could make off,” says Martyn.

'As a result a 30-year-old man is being interviewed in relation to the fire and Eastern Waikato Police would like to thank the local community for their assistance in bringing this matter to a timely conclusion.”