Police are investigating whether an unexplained fire in Feilding early this morning is the work of a serial arsonist.
The town has suffered a series of suspicious fires in recent months targeted at commercial properties and a church, and they have been investigating whether the same person has been responsible for all of the incidents.
At approximately 2am this morning extensive damage was cause to the rear of Wilkes Trading Company, a skin and hide merchants on South Street, situated at the back of the Feilding stockyards.
The cause of the fire is still undetermined, but the time, location and the fact that the town has had a spate of recent arsons is leading Police to consider it suspicious until evidence proves otherwise.
Detective David Burmeister said: “It is too early to say whether this is suspicious or linked to the other fires but we have to consider that possibility. Feilding is a close knit community and we need their help in identifying the person or people responsible for the fires that have been occurring before more damage is caused or someone loses a life.”
Police want to hear from anyone who saw any person or vehicle acting suspiciously in the area between 2am and 2.30am.
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Feilding Police on 06 323 6363. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.