Arsonists hit same home twice

Police believe they are looking for an arsonist after fire crews were called on two consecutive nights. Photo / Alexandra Newlove

A house in Raumanga appears to have been targeted by arsonists two nights in a row.

Neighbours on Campbell Place were yesterday baffled over the blazes, as they watched fire investigators work at the house for the second day in a row. Fire crews were called to the property about 1am on Saturday to deal to a small fire inside the Housing New Zealand property, which caused minor damage not visible from outside. But fire engines were back just before 5am on Sunday to find the house's semi-detached carport fully engulfed in flames.

Fire communications spokesman Jaron Phillips said when the Saturday job was called in, it was believed there was a family sleeping in the house. However, when crews searched the property they found no one was there, he said. While it appeared the residents were not home during either incident and nobody was injured, Detective Sergeant Aaron Crawford described the investigation as a "work in progress".

"We haven't made any arrests ... They are definitely intentional fires, from our initial observations."

He said fire investigators were still determining how the fires had been started.

Neighbour Wally Dunn said he was woken yesterday morning by a "crackling" noise and looked out his window to see his neighbour's house on fire, again.

"The flames were out of control," he said.

Mr Dunn was among a number of neighbours who dialled 111. "They were here about seven minutes later, it was a very quick response. To be hit twice - it's bloody scary to see your neighbour's house go up in flames."

The property's direct neighbours, who did not want their name published, said Campbell Place was a street where "everyone knew each other".

"Last night everything was quiet overnight. Then we woke up this morning (Sunday) to see the investigators there again," they said.

Police were also investigating another suspected arson on Morningside Rd, which happened early Thursday morning. The fire service went to the unoccupied house about 2am to find it alight.

- Anyone with information should contact police on 430 4500 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.