Suspicious fire rips through block of Epsom shops

A suspicious fire ripped through the rear of a two-storey block of shops in Epsom early this morning.

Emergency services were called to the blaze on Manukau Rd at 3.26am.

Auckland Fire Communications shift manager Colin Underdown said two fire trucks were initially called on the scene but more resources were needed.

There were no reports of injuries.

At one stage, there were five on the scene. One crew and investigators are still there.

Mr Underdown said water was put on surrounding buildings to prevent the spread of the fire.

The cause of the fire is unknown.