A man has been charged with arson after a Western Australian childcare centre went up in flames, resulting in $500,000 worth of damage.

Police allege a 35-year-old man entered a childcare centre on Truarn Street in Mandurah about 6.30pm yesterday and set various items alight, resulting in a large fire.

The fire ripped through a patio area and damaged the main building.

It is estimated the alleged arson attack caused an estimated $500,000 in damages.

The alleged offender was arrested and charged with one count of criminal damage by fire and one count of burglary.

Police also allege the man assaulted a police officer while under arrest.

He was then charged with one count of assaulting an officer and two counts of obstructing officers.

The injured police officer was taken to h

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