Police are investigating the death of a man following a fire at Mangamuka south of Kaitaia early this morning.
About 2.30pm yesterday police received reports of a firearm being discharged from a property at Mangamuka following a dispute over a trespass matter.
The Armed Offenders Squad was called in and began negotiating with the occupier of the address.
About 12.30am this morning a fire was noticed inside the house. AOS attempted to enter the address to rescue the occupant. However, they had to pull back due to a number of explosions.
The Fire Service attended and once the fire was put out police were able to enter the house. They located a body inside the house.
Police have cordoned off the property and are carrying out inquiries to ascertain the circumstances around the fire and the death of the man.
The man's name will not be released until next of kin have been notified.
For media inquiries contact Northland Police Communications Manager Sarah Kennett on 09 945 4650 or 021 192 1099.