Arsonists blamed for Hamilton fire

Arsonists are believed to have started a fire in an empty Hamilton house yesterday.

Firefighters were called to the Clyde St house in Hamilton east near the University of Waikato and initially thought people were trapped inside. They later found the house had been empty for several days after the tenants had moved out.

Fire safety officer Dave Jenkins said there was no furniture or belongings in the house and they found evidence accelerant had been used in one of the bedrooms.

He said the damage was severe to three bedrooms, the hallway and half the roof.

"It was a pretty old home and depending on the insurance company I would suggest they would pull it down."

Police were investigating the fire.

- NZPA