Kapiti bank gutted by fire

A Kapiti Coast bank was gutted by a fire overnight, police say.

Emergency services were called to the Westpac Bank at the Coastlands shopping centre in Paraparaumu about 2.15am.

By the time firefighters got the blaze under control, most of the bank was gutted, a central communications police spokesman said.

Fire crews from the Porirua were also called to help control the blaze.

Also damaged by flames and smoke were a nearby bakery and a lawyers office.

It was not yet known what caused the fire, the spokesman said.

- NZPA