Police say a fire, which broke out at a Whangārei property during the early hours of this morning while five people slept inside, is being treated as suspicious.
Emergency services were called to Raumanga Valley Road in Raumanga at around 6.20am.
Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer said that at this stage, it appeared a couch on the front deck had been deliberately set alight.
Five people were asleep at the time of the fire and managed to evacuate safely.
“It’s fortunate that no one has lost their life, and a homicide investigation is not being commenced,” Pilmer said.
The property sustained “extensive damage”, and police were working with Fire and Emergency New Zealand to investigate.
“A further scene examination will be carried out at the property as we work to identify who may be involved.”
Pilmer said police wanted to hear from anyone who may be able to assist with the investigation.
Police especially wanted to hear from anyone in the Raumanga Valley Road area with CCTV, or had ben driving in the area between 5.30am and 6.20am with dash cam footage.
“We will be working to establish a full picture of why this incident has occurred, and I’m asking anyone who might have seen suspicious activity before or after the fire to contact us.”
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