Police investigations underway after string of suspicious South Auckland fires

Fire crews were called to two car fires at the same property in Papatoetoe overnight. Photo / Hayden Woodward

Police are investigating three suspicious fires around South Auckland overnight - including two car fires reported within hours of each other outside the same property.

A police spokesman said they are looking into the incidents after fire authorities confirmed earlier that investigators are heading out to the scenes this morning.

“Our inquiries are still in the early stages and we are not yet able to confirm whether any of these incidents are connected,” a police spokesman said.

Firefighters were called to a house twice after a well-involved car fire about 11.30pm - and then another car fire about 3.30am outside the same property.

Photos from the scene show two vehicles almost completely scorched outside a house.

A number of police officers and firefighters can be seen looking into the cars and examining the scene.

The police spokesman said no injuries were reported at the property. However, a scene guard was put in place and inquiries will continue today.

Police at the scene of two car fires outside a house in Papatoetoe, South Auckland, overnight. Photo / Hayden Woodward

Police also reported an incident at 4.40am; when a patrol car came across a bin on fire near nearby Hunters Plaza.

“A man was located nearby and taken into custody. This man was spoken to but at this stage, no charges have been laid.”

Northern fire communications also confirmed they were called to a house fire at a single-storey house in Manurewa just after 10pm. That blaze has also been deemed as suspicious.

Police said they are making inquiries into that house fire as well. However, they said they were alerted of the blaze at 9.30pm.

“No one was inside the property at the time and Police will work with Fire and Emergency investigators.”

Police are now appealing to the public for any information relating to any of the fire-related incidents to come forward.

Can you help? Contact Police on 105 or CrimeStoppers anonymous on 0800 555 111