A Northland house fire that killed one person late in April is now being treated as arson, with police today launching a homicide investigation.
Emergency services rushed to a blaze at a Thomas Street address in Tikipunga at around 3.09am on Monday, April 29.
A 61-year-old man, Hoani Reupena-Tuoro, was found inside the property – but died at the scene.
Following police inquiries, it has now been established the fire was arson, “and subsequently, this is now being treated as a homicide investigation” – police said.
Whangārei Police Detective Senior Sergeant John Clayton said investigators have made “steady progress with inquiries” and have spoken to several people who were in the area at the time.
“We would still like to hear from anyone who knows who started this fire or saw anyone in the area that night between the hours of 1.30am through to 3.30am,” he said.
Clayton also made a public appeal to help identify a person captured on CCTV in the Te Kura Kaupapa school, at the rear of the property that was set alight.
“If you know who this person is, police would like to speak with them.”
Clayton asked any residents with footage from between 1.30am and 3.30 on April 29 to contact police.
“Police would still like to hear from anyone who has information via our 105 phone service.”