Arson suspected as cause

Police and the fire service were at a Morningside house yesterday, investigating a suspicious fire. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Detectives are probing the cause of a suspicious fire in suburban Whangarei.

A fire service spokesman said two units were called to Morningside Rd about 2am yesterday, to find a 120sq m house well alight. The house was unoccupied.

Whangarei police Detective Kiley Dalbeth said he was seeking anyone who might have information about the suspected arson, including anyone who might have seen people in the vicinity of the house between midnight and 2am yesterday.

The property was near the corner of Morningside Rd and Limeburners St.

"It's being treated as suspicious ... We are asking the usual, if anyone out there has any information," he said.

Mr Dalbeth said it appeared the arsonist had forced entry through one of the doors.

The fire had been lit inside the house, but it was unclear late yesterday what had been used to light it. Mr Dalbeth said it appeared to be an isolated incident at this stage.

The property was extensively damaged, he added.

- Contact Mr Dalbeth if you can help on 09 430 4500 or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.