Armed police are standing guard outside an Auckland funeral home damaged in an overnight blaze.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward said police investigations had begun into the fire at Just Funerals in Māngere Bridge.
“Four people were seen running from the area following the fire, and inquiries are now under way to identify and locate them.”
Emergency services were called after a small fire broke out at the Kirkbride Rd premises at 11.50pm.
Fire and Emergency and police investigators remained at the two-storey property this morning, sifting through the damage.
The brick and tile property was left with a smashed front door with scorch marks blackening the outside of a broken side window.
The damage was minor, and no injuries were reported.
“Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area or who may have information to assist with this investigation,” Hayward said.
A neighbour said she heard loud noises overnight.
“We heard some noise last night, but I thought it was the wind and rain,” said the woman, who did not want to be named.
She said it was “sad” to hear the funeral premises had been hit by a fire.
Police can be contacted via 105, or information can be provided online by using Update My Report. Reference file number 250428/4528.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Jaime Lyth is a multimedia journalist for the New Zealand Herald, focusing on crime and breaking news. Lyth began working under the NZ Herald masthead in 2021 as a reporter for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei.
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