Police are investigating a fire at a previously targeted Lower Hutt property this morning that left an 81-year-old man in a critical condition.
Emergency services, including fire crews from five stations, responded to a block of flats in Hanson Grove, Stokes Valley, at around 3.10am.
Detective Inspector Haley Ryan said the area was cordoned and a forensic scene examination was being conducted alongside Fire and Emergency New Zealand and ESR.
“The fire is being treated as suspicious and is suspected to be linked to two other fires at the same block of flats on Thursday 10 and Monday 14 October 2024, both of which were also lit during the early hours of the morning.”
Ryan said police were appealing for information from people who have CCTV footage, witnessed any of the three fires or were in the area at the time of the fires.
“Even the smallest piece of information could prove vital in our investigation,” she said.
Anyone with relevant information should contact police on 105.