Cockle Bay blaze: Homicide probe after man dies in East Auckland house fire

Police have launched a homicide probe following a fatal house fire in Auckland's Cockle Bay last month.

Wiremu Arapo, 27, was found dead in the Minerva Terrace home after it caught fire shortly after 7pm on October 20.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton said police made standard inquiries into the death on behalf of the Coroner and came to the conclusion that the death was suspicious, following a post mortem examination.

Bolton said two other people were injured in the fire and taken to hospital. They have spoken to police.

"I strongly believe there are people who know what has happened to Mr Arapo and I'm urging them to do the right thing and contact us," said Bolton.

"The news of this homicide inquiry may cause some concern to members of the wider community. Police would like to reassure the public that we have a team of committed detectives working on this matter."

The residents of the house that burned down had only owned it for six months.

The Cockle Bay house was engulfed by a fire. Photo / Michael Howse

The man who died in the fire had set up a fitness business in the garage of the home in Minerva Tce, Cockle Bay, during New Zealand's first Covid-19 lockdown, a neighbour
said.

Paul Pope, who lives next door to the house, said he was at the gym when the fire began and arrived home to find the street cordoned off.

The Cockle Bay house was engulfed by a fire. Photo / Michael Howse

Geoff Purcell, Counties Manukau Area Commander, said the man who died was found near a doorway.

Purcell said he didn't know if the man was trying to leave or get into the house, but there were reports from neighbours of seeing a man trying to get back inside.