House of horrors torched

The top storey of the house was gutted in the blaze. Photo / Simon Baker

Police and fire investigators are today investigating after Christchurch's house of horrors was partly destroyed in a suspected arson attack last night.

The top storey of the Wainoni Rd property was gutted in the blaze.

The bodies of Tisha Lowry, 28, and Rebecca Chamberlain, 35, were found under the house earlier this month. Chamberlain's husband, Jason Paul Somerville, has been charged with both murders.

Fire Service spokesman Rewai Grace said crews were called to the house at 9.45pm. He said the blaze was "undoubtedly suspicious," and police and fire safety investigators were at the scene.

A security guard had been posted at the house until Friday, and a tapu-lifting ceremony had been held at the house yesterday morning.

Neighbours said last night they weren't surprised to see the house ablaze.

"We had bets on it," said Pauline Warren. "I said within three days of the security people going, and it's only been one day."

Warren said locals were still reeling from the grisly discovery, and most would be happy to see the house gone. "It's been a bit of a shock for everyone and the best thing that could happen is for it to be bulldozed."

Carolyn Briggs said flames and smoke were streaming from the second storey of the house. Onlookers who gathered on the street were ushered back into their houses by police.

Briggs said the house was still standing, but didn't expect it to remain for long. "It wouldn't surprise me if they had another go at it later on."

Shanita Araipu, her partner Jason Hall and their family lived in the other half of the semi-detached house until the bodies were discovered, when they moved out. They returned last night to survey the damage.

Hall said the house should have been knocked down already. "We've been telling everyone that this was going to happen. It needs to be bulldozed ASAP," he said.