Fire examination complete

An examination of the scene of a fire in Rotorua is now complete but more enquiries need to be made before any confirmation as to whether the fire was suspicious.

The fire was reported to the police at 2.40am, approximately three hours after police had shut down a party at the same location and dealt with some minor disorder.

A local female teenager is believed to have died in the fire. Her body has been transported to Auckland for a post mortem examination to be carried out tomorrow.

Detective Senior Sergeant Graham Perks said: "With the assistance of the Fire Service we have now finished examining the scene and returned the property to its owner. Although that aspect of the work is complete it is still premature to comment on the cause of the fire and whether or not it is suspicious.

"There are still a number of enquiries to make and we need to speak in detail to those who were at the premises when the fire occurred before reaching any final conclusions. We are also still keen to speak to anyone who was at the earlier party who may have information useful to the investigation."

Police will be not in a position to name the person who died in the fire until she has been formally identified.

Anyone with information about this fire is asked to contact Rotorua Police on 07 348 0099. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.