28 March 2008
Police investigating a suspicious fire at a Tamahere home early yesterday fire will be canvassing neighbours today as they seek information into who was responsible for the blaze.
Firefighters were called to the Redwood Gr home about 5am and found the house well ablaze on their arrival.
Detective Nick Rolley of Hamilton CIB said emergency services staff were relieved the two storey home was unoccupied at the time of the fire.
"We're lucky no-one was inside the house as it was extensively damaged," he said.
Fire investigators completed their investigation into the cause of the fire and handed the scene over to Police yesterday afternoon.
"It appears an accelerant was used, the scene examination has been completed and a number of items have been removed for forensic examination.
"We're hoping that because the house is on a rural property, accessed down a no exit lane from Newells Rd, anyone in the area who was not a resident would have stood out."
Mr Rolley said Police were keen to hear from anyone who recalls seeing any suspicious activity in the area.
"The house was well alight when the Fire Service arrived so whoever was responsible could have left the area some time before the alarm was raised."
Anyone with any information on the fire or who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact Mr Rolley at the Hamilton Police Central Station on 07 858 6200.
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